Rhode Island name change on ballot

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A ballot measure in Rhode Island asks voters whether the state's official name should be changed.

The official name is “State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations,” honoring the merger of two originally separate colonies.

Some believe the word "plantations" may be insensitive when it comes to the issue of slavery.

The Petaquamsuck Historical Society says that was not the intention.

"When Roger Williams named the state and providence plantations, or attached that name to that side of the state, he was referring to the planting of a company of settlers." The Petaquamsuck Historical Society Director Lori Urso.

Officials say they want voters to make an educated decision.

If the measure does pass, the name would be officially changed to simply "State of Rhode Island.”

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