Follow-up on Inmate Labor Ballot Measures:

Proposal 2, the New York amendment to allow inmates in state and local correctional facilities to perform work for non-profit organizations, passed on Tuesday, November 3rd. Section 24 of article 3 of the State Constitution currently prohibits the farming out, contracting, giving away or selling of convict labor to any person, firm, association, or corporation. Inmates may, however, perform work for the State and its political divisions and their public institutions.

The amendment will authorize the Legislature to pass legislation allowing inmates to perform work for nonprofit organizations. A "nonprofit organization" is defined to mean an organization operated exclusively for religious, charitable, or educational purposes, no part of the net earnings of which benefits any private shareholder or individual.

As a non-profit organization, Project Vote Smart eagerly awaits internship applications from inmates in New York State correctional facilities! Inmates, if you have any questions, please call us from your "cell" phones.

-Stefan Johansson, Research