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.

Common Cause says decision shows need for clarity on 2016 law
After 7 failed restoration plans, CRMC to consider enforcement Tuesday over unauthorized rock wall
With the federal shutdown of the 988 “press 3” service for LGBTQ+ youth, Samaritans South Coast and Rhode Island’s call center are expanding culturally competent training to fill the gap in suicide prevention care
A federal judge struck down a rule allowing the National Endowment for the Arts to disfavor projects tied to ‘gender ideology,’ siding with Rhode Island Latino Arts and three other groups in a case brought by the ACLU
From Providence parks to coastal byways, Rhode Island’s fall foliage season is about to burst into color — with peak leaf-peeping expected in mid-to-late October across the Ocean State
A federal judge blasted the Trump administration’s halt of the $5 billion offshore wind project as “arbitrary and capricious,” clearing the way for Ørsted to restart work on the 65 turbines already 80% complete