The measure would have amended the state’s constitution to repeal language that allows involuntary servitude as a form of criminal punishment.

California lawmakers agreed to put Proposition 6 on the ballot at the urging of criminal justice advocates. Since 2018, at least a half-dozen states — including Alabama, Colorado, Nebraska, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah and Vermont — have approved similar measures.

California voters rejected Proposition 6, a measure that would have banned forced labor in jails and prisons. The Associated Press called the race Sunday evening. Prop 6 was failing 46%-54% Monday, according to numbers from the Secretary of State.

Californians voted down Proposition 6, a ballot measure that eliminates the state’s constitutional provision that allows involuntary servitude for incarcerated workers. The measure would not have ended the practice of incarcerated people working for little to no pay,

In a setback to California’s historic reparations effort, voters rejected a ballot measure that would have ended forced labor in prisons and jails. Proposition 6 garnered support from Democratic party