A black and white mid-rise apartment building is pictured at three-quarters view, revealing a pink side wall with a medical cross symbol on it. A small blue shape and a field of red dollar symbols are collaged to the left of the building.

Proposition 6

Should California ban involuntary servitude in prisons and jails? 

Proposition 6 would ban involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime. It would specifically prevent state prisons from punishing inmates who refuse to work. The proposal was included in a package of bills aimed at providing reparations to Black Californians and was placed on the ballot by the state Legislature.

Yes Argument

Proposition 6 would make sure incarcerated people are not punished for doing rehabilitative or educational work instead of a prison job such as cooking or cleaning. It’s not fair for those who refuse a work assignment to face punishments such as losing their right to use the phone or receive visits from family members. Several states, including Alabama and Colorado, have already passed similar measures, removing language allowing involuntary servitude from their constitutions.

No Argument

If incarcerated people turn down work assignments, prisons would have to spend more money to hire people to cook or clean. Inmates are supposed to be paying their debt to society while incarcerated, and taxpayers should not have to assume a greater burden to fund prison chores.

Fundraising
Campaign finance data comes from the California Secretary of State’s office or the Federal Election Commission.

Updated at 6:00 PM PT on Sept 12, 2024
Source: California Secretary of State
In Support
$565.9kTotal
All of Us or None Action Network
$220.0k
Voice of the Experienced (VOTE)
$120.0k
M. Quinn Delaney
$100.0k
Communities United for Restorative Youth Justice
$51.3k
ACLU of Northern California
$45.0k
In Opposition
$0Total

Key Supporters

This list represents notable organizations and individuals who have taken a position on the ballot measure or candidate, or who are funding campaigns in support or opposition. This list is not exhaustive, and may be updated.

In Support

  • ACLU California Action
  • Anti-Recidivism Coalition
  • Communities United for Restorative Youth Justice
  • Legal Services for Prisoners with Children
  • Lori Wilson, state Assembly member 

In Opposition

  • Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association

More Statewide Propositions

A black and white mid-rise apartment building is pictured at three-quarters view, revealing a pink side wall with a medical cross symbol on it. A small blue shape is collaged to the left of the building.

Prop 2: School Bond

Should California issue $10 billion in bonds to help build or upgrade educational facilities?

A black and white mid-rise apartment building is pictured at three-quarters view, revealing a pink side wall with a medical cross symbol on it. A small blue shape is collaged to the left of the building.

Prop 3: Same-Sex Marriage

Should marriage rights for same-sex couples be enshrined in the state constitution?

A black and white mid-rise apartment building is pictured at three-quarters view, revealing a pink side wall with a medical cross symbol on it. A small blue shape is collaged to the left of the building.

Prop 4: Climate Bond

Should California issue $10 billion in bonds to fund various climate- and environment-related projects?

A black and white mid-rise apartment building is pictured at three-quarters view, revealing a pink side wall with a medical cross symbol on it. A small blue shape is collaged to the left of the building.

Prop 5: Housing Votes

Should California reduce the vote threshold needed to pass certain local bonds for affordable housing and public infrastructure projects?

A black and white mid-rise apartment building is pictured at three-quarters view, revealing a pink side wall with a medical cross symbol on it. A small blue shape is collaged to the left of the building.

Prop 32: Minimum Wage

Should all California employees earn at least $18 per hour by Jan. 1, 2026?

A black and white mid-rise apartment building is pictured at three-quarters view, revealing a pink side wall with a medical cross symbol on it. A small blue shape is collaged to the left of the building.

Prop 33: Rent Control

Should California remove limits on the ability of cities to impose rent control policies capping annual rent increases?

A black and white mid-rise apartment building is pictured at three-quarters view, revealing a pink side wall with a medical cross symbol on it. A small blue shape is collaged to the left of the building.

Prop 34: Prescription Drug Spending

Should California restrict how certain health care providers can spend revenue from prescription drug sales?

A black and white mid-rise apartment building is pictured at three-quarters view, revealing a pink side wall with a medical cross symbol on it. A small blue shape is collaged to the left of the building.

Prop 35: Medi-Cal Funding

Should California make permanent an existing tax on health insurance companies and restrict how those funds can be used?

A black and white mid-rise apartment building is pictured at three-quarters view, revealing a pink side wall with a medical cross symbol on it. A small blue shape is collaged to the left of the building.

Prop 36: Criminal Penalties

Should California roll back past reforms and make it easier to charge people with felony crimes and send them to jail or prison if they repeatedly shoplift, or possess some drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine?