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
1 min read
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.

May 7, 2025
Federal evaluation praises expert staff but notes weaknesses in financial reporting requirements and delays to online permitting database
If costs spiral, Rhode Island will see ripple effects, representatives from building trades, hospitality, and medical equipment sectors say
Mayor calls historic investment in schools a win, but budget relies on state approval to exceed tax cap and avoid deep cuts
The Providence mayor is proposing to increase property taxes and other city revenue in order to fill the budget gap left by a settlement with the state over the city’s school department
A power struggle in the city’s troubled police department has blocked an interim chief from serving permanently, and cost her predecessor a job
Don Fox’s luxury sweater company faces soaring import costs due to Trump’s trade war with China — but in a Rhode Island town turning deep red, economic pain hasn’t shaken political faith