Voters approve Vt. constitutional amendment clarifying ban on slavery

MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) - Voters have approved an amendment to the Vermont Constitution abolishing slavery in any form, a measure that has been in the works for several years and is largely symbolic, according to legal experts.

The measure passed by a more than 89% margin.

The Green Mountain State is known as the first in the nation to abolish slavery in its state constitution in 1777, but supporters of Proposal 2 say language in the constitution leaves open a loophole. Proposal 2, they say, would eliminate “slavery and indentured servitude in any form.”

The proposal had to be passed by two consecutively elected legislatures. The final step was Tuesday’s vote.

Campaign Countdown: Inside Prop 2, Vermont’s slavery prohibition clarification