This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for dissipating charge buildup within a display element with a conductive layer. The conductive layer is maintained in electrical contact with a fluid within the display element. The fluid, in turn, remains in contact with light modulators within the display elements. Any charge buildup that may be caused by the filling of the fluid during fabrication of the display device, or during operation of the light modulators can be dissipated by the conductive layer. Thus, by dissipating the charge buildup, the conductive layer reduces or eliminates electrostatic forces due to the charge buildup that may affect the operability of the light modulators. The display can include conductive spacers in an active display region of the display and a spacer-free region that allows the substrates to deform while retaining an electrical connection between the conductive layer and the spacers in the active display region.