California voters reject measure to ban forced prison labor
California voters have rejected Proposition 6.
The ballot measure sought to amend the state’s constitution to ban forced prison labor.
The measure was defeated with 53.8% voting against it in the November 5 election.
Supporters argued forced labor in prisons is a continuation of America’s legacy of slavery, disproportionately affecting Black inmates.
They believed ending involuntary labor would aid rehabilitation and reduce reoffending.
Critics, however, warned that eliminating forced labor could cost the state millions annually.
While no official campaign opposed the measure, the state’s prison system uses forced labor to offset operational costs.
The measure’s failure comes as several other U.S. states, such as Colorado and Vermont, have already moved to abolish forced labor in prisons.
The final election results will be certified by December 13.
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