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.

Providence City Councilor Ana Vargas supported rent control during her election campaign. As she prepared to vote on it, she received the largest political donations of her career
Prescription for preserving landmark labor and delivery unit comes with a $4.9M price tag
U.S. District Court judge Melissa DuBose accused lawyer Kevin Bolan of hiding the criminal record of an undocumented immigrant
A new Rhode Island KIDS COUNT report warns that rising child poverty is straining families across the state — and the effects on children’s mental health and education could be long-lasting
Texas court granted feds’ request demanding records of Rhode Island minors with gender dysphoria on same day
With colorful windsocks and a gazebo, Providence artist Eli Nixon developed an art installation to bring attention to the air quality around the Port of Providence