Breaking Down the Ballot: Should Rhode Island Hold a Constitutional Convention?

The last convention in the state was held in 1986

Early voting for the Rhode Island state primary begins on Aug. 21.
rawpixel.com / Felix
Share
Early voting for the Rhode Island state primary begins on Aug. 21.
rawpixel.com / Felix
Breaking Down the Ballot: Should Rhode Island Hold a Constitutional Convention?
Copy

On Nov. 5, Rhode Island voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on five statewide ballot questions. In the weeks leading up to Election Day, The Public’s Radio will cover each question in depth.

This time, the focus is on Question One: “Shall there be a convention to amend or revise the Rhode Island Constitution?”

The last convention to amend the state constitution occurred in 1986. Proponents from different ends of the political spectrum say voters should be given the opportunity to amend the constitution — but a coalition led by ACLU Rhode Island, unions and women’s advocacy groups fears a convention could threaten civil rights protections.

Giving their perspective on the issue are John Marion, executive director of the nonprofit government watchdog organization Common Cause Rhode Island; and Patrick Anderson, a reporter for The Providence Journal.

This interview was conducted by The Public’s Radio. You can read the story here.

A new phase looms in the primary for RI governor

DEM crews are conducting prescribed burns across the state as hotter, drier conditions increase wildfire risk in New England
Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green says she’ll recommend ending 2019 state takeover on July 1
The exhibition features the work of more than 200 artists and designers in 42,000 square feet of exhibition space
The U.S. Department of Justice subpoenaed the records as part of a nationwide investigation into transgender care for minors
Ken Naylor Jr., chairman of the Rhode Island Young Republicans, says, ‘If you work hard, if you hit the doors, you can win’