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.

Seneca Falls, New York, may not have the only claims on the film
State lawmakers passed several new laws in 2025 designed to protect libraries from political interference.
Presents galore are going to players, coaches and administrators from sports columnist Mike Szostak
Just up I-95, Massachusetts will host 7 matches for the men’s tournament, beginning in June
The school hired former Providence police chief Hugh Clements Jr. to take over on an interim basis
The order applies to Vineyard Wind 1 and Revolution Wind, which are nearly complete and central toRhode Island and Massachusetts’ transition to renewable energy