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.

In the aftermath of the deadly shooting at Brown University, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley reflected on what the city did right following the tragedy and what it can do better in the event of future emergencies
Mayor Brett Smiley said initial indications are positive, but that he ordered the city to engage an outside firm to review the city’s response
Activists gather in the State House rotunda with a list of demands for McKee administration
With the 2026 campaign and expectations of a budget hole hovering over the Statehouse, Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee proposed ways the state can cut taxes
The recommendations call for annual inspection signed off by the local fire department, board of health and building inspector
A federal judge allowed construction to resume, delivering a temporary win for offshore wind amid Trump’s push to halt the project