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.

The war in Iran, and Neronha’s blockbuster report
State leaders say the deal keeps the Rhode Island hospitals open while the Atlanta-based Centurion Foundation attempts a financial turnaround
New England Aquarium observers documented the rare sightings during an aerial survey over waters south of Rhode Island
URI hoops, Providence hockey and JWU basketball headline a surge of winter titles across the Ocean State
February’s historic blizzard disrupted more than 1,500 blood donations, leaving the center with far less than the seven-day supply required to support local hospitals
Backing underscores long-running tensions with Gov. Dan McKee ahead of the September Democratic primary; McKee’s campaign responds by raising opioid concerns