American voters abroad, cast your vote not just for leaders, but for laws that will determine the course of justice in your state.

As you are likely reminded daily through your social media feeds, the U.S. elections are rapidly approaching.

Although it's increasingly common to feel skeptical about politics, Election Day still represents the enduring mystery of democracy. No matter how hard pollsters work to determine the results as a preordained outcome and no matter how many barriers remain for full voting participation, the people are still essentially back in charge of what happens next. As voters, we’re presented the opportunity unique through world history to have our say on the issues that impact our lives. Voters are also presented with an opportunity to engage with significant issues that can shape the future of their states.

While the race for the presidency often dominates the headlines, there are numerous state-level questions that deserve equal attention—questions that can have profound impacts on justice, human rights, and the laws we live by.

I was reminded of this when filling out my absentee ballot for the state of Nevada, where I'm registered to vote, and came across Question 4 - seeking to remove slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for crimes from the state constitution.

I follow politics reasonably closely and I’ll admit that I was stunned. The very notion that this provision, dating back to the Act of Congress of March 21, 1864, is still in place was a shock for me. It may be to you as well.

Yet, it remains a reality, not only in Nevada but in the constitutions of several other states. This election gives voters the chance to change that.

But Nevada’s Question 4 is not an isolated matter. Across the country, states have been grappling with similar provisions that permit slavery or involuntary servitude as punishment for crime. Between 2016 and 2022, eight states voted on measures to remove this language from their constitutions. Most of these measures were successful. States like Colorado, Utah, Oregon, and Vermont have already taken the bold step of eliminating this vestige of a bygone era, yet two states—Colorado and Louisiana—rejected similar measures at first. Change always comes in fits and starts.

This election is an opportunity to bring clarity and purpose to these questions. It is a chance to reflect on the values of justice, equality, and dignity that define our society today. We must ask ourselves: Do we want to maintain outdated and morally indefensible laws, or do we want to move forward, shedding remnants of systemic oppression? Question 4 represents a step toward a more just society, one where human dignity is placed above all else.

For voters living abroad, in particular, your role in this process is critical. Whether you’re voting from afar or mailing in your ballot, your vote matters and your voice matters. I know firsthand how bittersweet it can be to send in a ballot from another land. It can be a bittersweet feeling to be so far away while a new chapter in your country is written. But I’m not apologetic about my belief that overseas voters offer a unique and much-needed point of view. We’ve seen firsthand the different approaches our neighbors around the world take to similar challenges, whether it’s healthcare or immigration. And we have the responsibility to thoroughly examine the state-level questions on our ballots. The issues on the ballot are too important to overlook – especially when it comes to correcting the moral stain that is slavery.

By voting on measures like Question 4, we take a stand for what kind of society we want to be, a society that aligns with modern principles of human rights. Voters in Nevada and across the country should seize this moment to shape a future that reflects justice, fairness, and equality for all.

As this historic election nears, make sure your voice is heard. Examine the questions on your ballot carefully. Understand the broader implications. And cast your vote not just for leaders, but for laws that will determine the course of justice in your state for years to come. Voting is not just a right—it is a responsibility. And in this election, the responsibility is greater than ever.