Although Vermonters have been told for decades that the state was the first to abolish slavery, that assertion is not true. The way the constitution currently reads, there are exceptions to the abolition of slavery on three grounds: 1) for those under age 21, 2) for those bound by their own consent, and 3) for those bound for payment of debts, damages, fines, costs or “the like.” These exceptions in the Vermont constitution have led to similar exceptions in the constitutions of 25 other states and in the U.S. Constitution, which contains an exception for punishment of a crime in the Thirteenth Amendment.
But this year, Vermonters have the opportunity to make history, change our state consitution and ABOLISH SLAVERY: NO EXCEPTIONS when we go to the polls to vote on November 8th, 2022.
In order to ensure that Proposition 2: An Act to Abolish Slavery passes, we need to recruit 300 volunteers who will commit to having 80,000 conversations in order to move 18,000 Vermonters to vote "Yes!" on Prop 2. Will you join the team?
For questions or more information, please email
Melissa@viavt.org