RIPEC asks voters to consider pros and cons of question 3 on revising R.I. constitution

RIPEC, the nonpartisan public policy research organization, is asking voters to consider the risks and rewards of question 3 on revising Rhode Island's constitution.
RIPEC, the nonpartisan public policy research organization, is asking voters to consider the risks and rewards of question 3 on revising Rhode Island's constitution.

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Expenditure Council asks voters to weigh the pros and cons before they vote Tuesday on question 3, which asks “should there be a convention to amend or revise the constitution?”

“The decision to authorize a review of Rhode Island’s constitution must not be taken lightly, as opening the constitution to review is not without risk. Each individual voter must determine whether there are sufficient safeguards in place to control the level of risk associated with this process, and whether the potential rewards of reform merit the risk,” the council stated.

The nonprofit public policy research and education organization is not taking a stand on the issue.

The Rhode Island Constitution includes a requirement that voters be asked every ten years if they wish to convene a constitutional convention, and Rhode Island has historically held 11 constitutional conventions, the most recent of which was in 1986.

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“Holding a constitutional convention is the most important decision on this year’s ballot,” John C. Simmons, executive director of RIPEC, said in a statement, “as virtually any topic related to state or local government would be subject to consideration at the convention.”

Simmons added, “The delegates would be free to consider any constitutional amendments or revisions that they see fit, including topics that have not received much public attention. There are clear risks and rewards to this process, which must be weighed prior to voting.”

Some of the questions RIPEC asks voters to consider are: will a convention divert Rhode Island leaders’ attention away from other pressing issues, such as the relatively weak economy; will campaign finance laws apply to candidates seeking election as delegates; and what impact will outside special interest groups have on the convention.
Read RIPEC’s report HERE.

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