Local Politics · Providence, RI
Providence Voters to Decide Binding Divestment Question Next Week
Providence voters will decide on Question 7, a binding ballot measure that would prohibit the city from doing business with countries and companies identified by U.N. experts as profiting from genocide, apartheid, ethnic cleansing, or prolonged military occupation. Mayor Brett Smiley opposes the measure, citing potential harm to city finances and concerns about antisemitism, while Democratic mayoral nominee David Morales supports it as a reflection of community values. The question does not name Israel specifically but is expected to face a court challenge if passed. At least nine other U.S. cities have adopted similar restrictions, though most are advisory resolutions rather than binding laws.