State Rep. Edmond Jordan (D-Baton Rouge) is asking voters to vote against his proposed Constitutional Amendment seven on the November 8 ballot, because he says the ballot language is confusing, and his amendment morphed into something he did not intend.
Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin also opposes the amendment, meant to address what many see as a form of legalized slavery.
“Instead of getting rid of an exception to slavery and involuntary servitude it actually seems to have gone further then intended,” said Erwin.
Erwin says the intent of the amendment was to restrict the use of involuntary servitude, to make sure it is only permitted as a form of criminal punishment, but because of how the amendment was written, it may actually broaden the use of involuntary servitude.
“And I think that’s why its probably better to try and start all over again and get some cleaner language in the constitution,” said Erwin.
Jordan is asking voters to vote no on Amendment 7 so the Legislature can rewrite the proposed amendment next year. Erwin says this has to be confusing for voters.
“It’s unfortunate that we have a ballot measure that is coming to them with a good intent but then were saying don’t vote for it wait for another one to come later that’s really not the way that we want to do it,” said Erwin.
