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.

From Warren’s town-wide celebration to artisan markets in Providence, Pawtucket and beyond, here’s where to shop, stroll, sip and support local this holiday season
The ferry service with routes to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard plans to run even after much of the pier was closed for repairs
Turkeys are more than just a Thanksgiving meal, they’re a part of forest ecosystems across the country. In this episode of Possibly, we take a look at how they made a major comeback in New England after being driven to local extinction
Centurion Foundation CEO asks state to cut talks with Prime Healthcare, alleging sabotage of its hospital deal
The Ocean State is one of just three states that still prohibit most retail on Thanksgiving — a throwback to centuries-old blue laws that continue to shape when Rhode Islanders can (and can’t) shop
Researchers at URI and the state Department of Environmental Management to spend five years on a comprehensive study of Rhode Island’s wild turkey population