–J.H. Snider<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
The constitutional convention referendum was defeated 287,906 (62.4%) to 173,459 (37.6%) based on a Rhode Island Board of Elections report<\/a> dated Nov. 22, 2024. For any subsequent revisions, go directly to the board of elections: https:\/\/www.ri.gov.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/rhodeisland.concon.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/2024-Voter-Information-Handbook-Question-on-the-ballot.png” title_text=”2024 Voter Information Handbook–Question on the ballot” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n What follows is J.H. Snider’s educational video on Rhode Island’s Nov. 5 constitutional convention referendum. It employs a “magical realist” style based on the life of Thomas Dorr, Rhode Island’s “people’s martyr.”<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/eOkMwuJmV6c” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_testimonial author=”–Rhode Island’s Constitution, Article XIV, Section 2″ url=”https:\/\/webserver.rilegislature.gov\/RiConstitution\/” url_new_window=”on” admin_label=”Testimonial” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ body_text_color=”#000000″ body_font_size=”15px” author_font=”|800|||||||” author_font_size=”18px” background_color=”rgba(254,241,2,0.36)” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||51px|||” link_option_url=”https:\/\/webserver.rilegislature.gov\/RiConstitution\/” link_option_url_new_window=”on” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Constitutional conventions. \u2014 The general assembly, by a vote of a majority of the members elected to each house, may at any general election submit the question, \u201cShall there be a convention to amend or revise the constitution?\u201d to the qualified electors of the state. If the question be not submitted to the people at some time during any period of ten years, the secretary of state shall submit it at the next general election following said period. Prior to a vote by the qualified electors on the holding of a convention, the general assembly, or the governor if the general assembly fails to act, shall provide for a bi-partisan preparatory commission to assemble information on constitutional questions for the electors. If a majority of the electors voting at such election on said question shall vote to hold a convention, the general assembly at its next session shall provide by law for the election of delegates to such convention. The number of delegates shall be equal to the number of members of the house of representatives and shall be apportioned in the same manner as the members of the house of representatives. No revision or amendment of this constitution agreed upon by such convention shall take effect until the same has been submitted to the electors and approved by a majority of those voting thereon.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” header_line_height=”1.3em” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/rhodeisland.concon.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/TheConventionProcess-ThreePopularVotes.png” title_text=”TheConventionProcess–ThreePopularVotes” disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”The Convention Process” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||89px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||10px|||” custom_padding=”7px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n For polls on various aspects of the 2024 Rhode Island constitutional convention referendum, see the “Polls” menu item above.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||10px|||” custom_padding=”7px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n J.H. Snider Note: I wrote a letter to Rhode Island’s Secretary of State<\/a> critiquing this and the 2014 ballot summary by one of his predecessors. To view this Microsoft Word file, you will need to first download it.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/rhodeisland.concon.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/2024-Voter-Information-Handbook-Summary-of-convention-question-page-1.png” title_text=”2024 Voter Information Handbook–Summary of convention question–page 1″ url=”https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20240918211057\/https:\/\/vote.sos.ri.gov\/Forms\/Elections\/Guides\/24RefGuideEng.pdf” url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/rhodeisland.concon.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/2024-Voter-Information-Handbook-Summary-of-convention-question-page-2.png” title_text=”2024 Voter Information Handbook–Summary of convention question–page 2″ url=”https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20240918211057\/https:\/\/vote.sos.ri.gov\/Forms\/Elections\/Guides\/24RefGuideEng.pdf” url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text Milestones” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n November 5, 2024.<\/strong>\u00a0 The last day of voting on whether to convene a constitutional convention.<\/p>\n October 16 to November 4, 2024.<\/strong> Early voting. Note that much easier early voting in Rhode Island is a major change since the last convention referendum in 2014 and may help explain the early release of the 2024 Voter Information Handbook. Most of the changes came in the wake of the pandemic in 2020 and its encouragement of mail-in voting. On early voting in Rhode Island and nationally, see NCSL<\/a>, Rhode Island Current<\/a>, Providence Journal<\/a>, and R.I. Legislature<\/a>.<\/p>\n September 18, 2024. <\/strong>Rhode Island’s Secretary of State releases the 2024 Voter Information Handbook<\/a>, including his summary of the constitutional convention question. J.H. Snider filed comments with the 2024 Preparatory Commission and published three op-eds in the Providence Journal seeking a more balanced ballot summary than Rhode Island secretaries of state drafted in 2004 and 2014.\u00a0 This effort was unsuccessful.<\/p>\n August 28, 2024. <\/strong>Sixth meeting of the Rhode Island Constitutional Convention Preparatory Commission. The meeting’s agenda can be found here<\/a>.\u00a0 A video of this meeting can be found here<\/a>. This meeting’s agenda was to discuss and approve the draft report, which took just 25 minutes to do, The report was unanimously approved. The final report, released on August 29, can be found here<\/a>. The report is structured as if it were highly balanced and objectively reporting the testimony it received, but J.H. Snider, who listened to all the Commission’s meetings and read all the testimony, believes that the report was cleverly drafted to be highly biased against calling a convention.<\/p>\n August 21, 2024. <\/strong>Fifth meeting of the Rhode Island Constitutional Convention Preparatory Commission. The meeting’s agenda can be found here<\/a>. A video of the meeting can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n August 14, 2024.\u00a0 <\/strong>Fourth meeting of the Rhode Island Constitutional Convention Preparatory Commission. The meeting’s agenda can be found here<\/a>. A video of the meeting can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n August 8, 2024.<\/strong> Third meeting of the Rhode Island Constitutional Convention Preparatory Commission. The meeting’s agenda can be found here<\/a>. A video of the meeting can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n July 30, 2024. <\/strong>Second meeting of the Rhode Island Constitutional Convention Preparatory Commission. The meeting’s agenda can be found here<\/a>. A video of the meeting can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n July 24, 2024.<\/strong> First meeting of the Rhode Island constitutional convention preparatory commission. The meeting’s agenda is here<\/a>. No public testimony will be taken at this meeting. Information on all Rhode Island state commission can be found here<\/a>. This meeting lasted all of 12 minutes. Ten of 12 commissioners showed up, they elected two co-chairs of the commission, and scheduled their next meeting for July 30 at 11:00 am. A video of the meeting can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n June 13, 2024.<\/strong> Rhode Island’s Legislature passes both the constitutional convention call and preparatory commission resolutions.<\/p>\n June 4, 2024.<\/strong> H 8326<\/a>, legislation introduced into the Rhode Island General Assembly: “JOINT RESOLUTION TO SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING QUESTION TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE May 30, 2024.<\/strong> H 8324<\/a>, legislation\u00a0 introduced in Rhode Island’s General Assembly: “JOINT RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR A BI-PARTISAN PREPARATORY COMMISSION TO ASSEMBLE INFORMATION ON CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS IN PREPARATION FOR A VOTE BY THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS ON THE HOLDING OF A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE XIV SECTION.” Its legislative history and current status can be found here<\/a>; type in 8324 in the bills field and then click on “enter.” The companion Senate bill is S 3147<\/a>. The press release can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text Milestones” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n November 5, 2024.<\/strong>\u00a0 The referendum on whether to convene a constitutional convention.<\/p>\n October 1, 2024.<\/strong>\u00a0 Based on the last convention referendum in 2014, the date the Secretary of State is expected to announce the release of the 2024 Voter Information Handbook<\/em>.<\/p>\n September 3, 2024.<\/strong> Based on the last convention referendum in 2014, the date Rhode Island’s constitutionally mandated Bi-Partisan Preparatory Commission is expected to release its Report.<\/p>\n August 26, 2024.<\/strong> Based on the last convention referendum in 2014, the expected date of the fifth and final meeting of the Bi-partisan Preparatory Commission.<\/p>\n August 25, 2024.<\/strong>\u00a0 Based on the last convention referendum in 2014, the Secretary of State\u2019s expected deadline for the the Bi-partisan Preparatory Commission Report to provide it with its report so it can be incorporated in the Voter Information Handbook.<\/p>\n August 21, 2024.<\/strong>\u00a0 Based on the last convention referendum in 2014, the expected date of the Fourth meeting of the Bi-partisan Preparatory Commission.<\/p>\n August 19, 2024.<\/strong> Based on the last convention referendum in 2014, the expected date of the Third meeting of the Bi-partisan Preparatory Commission.<\/p>\n August, 7, 2024.<\/strong> Based on the last convention referendum in 2014, the expected date of the second meeting and first public hearing of the Bi-partisan Preparatory Commission.<\/p>\n July 31, 2024.<\/strong>\u00a0 Based on the last convention referendum in 2014, the expected date of the first meeting of the Bi-partisan Preparatory Commission to Assemble Information on Constitutional Convention Questions in Preparation for a Vote by the Qualified Electors on the Holding of a Constitutional Convention in Accordance with Article XIV, \u00a0Section 2 of the Rhode Island Constitution.<\/p>\n July 30, 2024.<\/strong>\u00a0 In 2014, the Bi-partisan Preparatory Commission was to report its findings to the public by July 30. With no adverse consequences, the deadline was not met.<\/p>\n July 29, 2024. <\/strong>Based on the last convention referendum in 2014, the date the Rhode Island General Assembly is expected to post on its website the names of the remaining two Bi-Partisan Preparatory Commission members and post the public notice of its first public meeting (on July 31).\u00a0 The law dictates that 48 hours public notice is necessary before holding such a public meeting.<\/p>\n July 24, 2024.<\/strong> Based on the last convention referendum in 2014, the date the Bi-partisan Preparatory Commission is expected to post on its website the first 10 of 12 members appointed to the Bi-Partisan Preparatory Commission.<\/p>\n July 10, 2024.<\/strong>\u00a0 Based on the last convention referendum in 2014, the date campaign finance reports are due to the Rhode Island Board of Elections.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n June 30, 2014.<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Joint Resolution\u00a08061<\/a>\u00a0signed by the Governor.<\/p>\n June 23, 2014.<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Joint Resolution\u00a02537<\/a>\u00a0signed by the Governor.<\/p>\n June 11, 2014.<\/strong> \u00a0Joint Resolutions 2538<\/a>,\u00a08060<\/a>\u00a0and 8061<\/a>\u00a0passed by the General Assembly.<\/p>\n June 18, 2014.<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Joint Resolutions 2538<\/a>\u00a0and 8060<\/a>\u00a0signed by the Governor.<\/p>\n April 29, 2014.<\/strong> \u00a0Hearing<\/a> to consider proposed constitutional amendments that could serve as the basis of the Preparatory Commission.<\/p>\n April 16, 2014.<\/strong> Joint Resolution 8061<\/a>\u00a0(creating a bipartisan preparatory commission) introduced in the Rhode Island House.<\/p>\n February 27, 2014.<\/strong> \u00a0Joint Resolutions\u00a02537<\/a>\u00a0 (creating a bipartisan preparatory commission) and\u00a02538<\/a>\u00a0(placing the constitutional convention referendum on the ballot) introduced in the Rhode Island Senate.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|on” admin_label=”Text Yes and No Coalitions” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n August 20, 2014.<\/strong> \u00a0Launch of Renew RI<\/a>, which seeks to\u00a0\u201cencourages citizens of our state to study the issues involved so they can make an informed decision on [the constitutional convention referendum] when they cast their votes on Nov. 4. \u201d<\/p>\n April 30, 2014.<\/strong> \u00a0Launch of Citizens for Responsible Government<\/a>, which describes itself as \u201ca diverse and growing coalition of Rhode Islanders and Rhode Island organizations who are opposed to a Constitutional Convention.\u201d<\/p>\n J.H. Snider profiles the two coalitions in his September 7, 2014 blog post:\u00a0Citizens for Responsible Government vs. RenewRI<\/a> (As of October 18, 2014, this section will\u00a0no longer be maintained. \u00a0Use the menu system for the latest news, op-eds, etc.)<\/strong><\/p>\n Op-ed<\/a> in GoLocalProv<\/em> by J.H. Snider satirizing the debate about the constitutional convention referendum currently taking place in Rhode Island.<\/p>\n Op-ed<\/a> in the Warwick Beacon<\/em>\u00a0by \u00a0Robert O. Flanders arguing that state constitutional conventions have served to enhance rather than diminish the people\u2019s rights.<\/p>\n Op-ed<\/a> in the Providence Journal<\/em> by \u00a0Ken Block arguing that a state constitutional convention represents a rare opportunity to fix Rhode Island\u2019s broken system of government.<\/p>\n Op-ed<\/a> in the Providence Journal<\/em> by \u00a0Steve Brown arguing that a state constitutional convention would be dominated by special interests and is, in any case, unnecessary.<\/p>\n Op-ed<\/a> in the Providence Journal<\/em> by George Nee arguing that a state constitutional convention would hurt Rhode Island unions.<\/p>\n Op-ed<\/a> in the Providence Journal<\/em> by Philip\u00a0West arguing for\u00a0a state constitutional agenda based on democratic reforms that the General Assembly wouldn\u2019t\u00a0otherwise pass.<\/p>\n Op-ed<\/a> in the Providence Journal<\/em> by J.H. Snider and Beverly Clay critiquing the description \u00a0of Question #3<\/a> in the 2014 Voter Information Handbook.<\/p>\n Op-ed<\/a> in the Providence Journal<\/em> by Jack Partridge, delegate to Rhode Island\u2019s 1973 constitutional convention and former chair of Common Cause Rhode Island,\u00a0providing an\u00a0account of the discrepancy between the intent of the Framers of the Bi-partisan Preparatory provision in Rhode Island\u2019s Constitution and its implementation in 2014 by Rhode Island\u2019s legislature.<\/p>\n Op-ed<\/a>\u00a0in the\u00a0Providence Journal<\/em>\u00a0by\u00a0Pablo Rodriquez arguing that the General Assembly is a better institutional vehicle for democratic reform because of the high cost of a\u00a0state constitutional convention and the risk that it would be corrupted and serve to restrict social rights such as a woman\u2019s right to choose.<\/p>\n Op-ed<\/a> in the Providence Journal<\/em> by Mike Stenhouse observing that anything passed by a state constitutional convention must be approved by voters and arguing that the people are not the enemy.<\/p>\n The Rhode Island Center for Freedom & Prosperity issues a blueprint<\/a> for how the constitutional convention process should work and what issues a constitutional convention could address.<\/p>\n Op-ed<\/a> in the Providence Journal<\/em> by J.H. Snider and Beverly Clay reviewing the history of Rhode Island\u2019s bi-partisan preparatory commissions and arguing for a better method of information the public about issues a state constitutional convention could address.<\/p>\n Op-ed<\/a> in GoLocal Prov<\/em> by Moore, Russell arguing for a Rhode Island state constitutional convention by describing\u00a0the opposition, its arguments, and the types of issues a constitutional convention could address.<\/p>\n Op-ed<\/a>\u00a0in the\u00a0Providence Journal<\/em>\u00a0by J.H. Snider\u00a0and Beverly Clay reviewing the history of Rhode Island\u2019s constitutional convention campaign finance disclosure and making the case for better disclosure.<\/p>\n RhodeIslandConCon.info compiles a documentary history\u00a0of Rhode Island\u2019s 1994<\/a>\u00a0and 2004<\/a>\u00a0state constitutional convention referendums.<\/p>\n Op-ed<\/a> in the\u00a0Providence Journal<\/em>\u00a0by Timothy Murphy, a Brown University Professor, arguing that a constitutional convention is the only likely mechanism by which\u00a0Rhode Island\u2019s General Assembly\u00a0will become subject to meaningful ethics reform because the General Assembly has consistently refused to pass\u00a0such reform itself.<\/p>\n Op-ed<\/a> in the Providence Journal<\/em> by Jack Partridge, delegate to Rhode Island\u2019s 1973 constitutional convention and former chair of Common Cause Rhode Island,\u00a0providing a first hand account of Rhode Island\u2019s successful 1973 constitutional convention and arguing that\u00a0fears of a future convention don\u2019t gibe with that experience.<\/p>\n RhodeIslandConCon.info launches FAQ<\/a> to address questions about state constitutional conventions.<\/p>\n Event<\/a> at the\u00a0Hassenfeld Institute for Public Leadership, Bryant University, \u201cA Constitutional Convention for Rhode Island?,\u201d 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. \u00a0J.H. Snider\u00a0reviews<\/a>\u00a0the conference, including providing conference links.<\/p>\n Op-ed<\/a>\u00a0in the\u00a0Providence Journal<\/em>\u00a0by J.H. Snider and Sage Snider\u00a0providing a historical, political, and democratic functional analysis of Rhode Island\u2019s November 4, 2014 referendum to convene a constitutional convention.<\/p>\n Launch of RhodeIslandConCon.info.<\/p>\n Public Policy Polling releases a public opinion survey<\/a> concerning propositions on the November 2014 ballot. \u00a0The question on the upcoming constitutional convention referendum finds 40% in favor, 25% opposed, and 35% undecided.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|on” admin_label=”Text Working Paper” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A Plea to Improve the State Constitutional Convention Process<\/a> Source:<\/strong> University of Rhode Island Harrington School for Communication and Media<\/a>, Oct. 19, 2023. See the accompanying press release here<\/a> and Providence Journal coverage here<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_line_height=”1.4em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n On Sept. 18, 2024, Rhode Island’s Secretary of State released the 2024 Voter Information Handbook<\/a>, which was approximately two weeks earlier than the SOS released the Handbook in 2014, the last time the convention question was on the ballot. The same day, J.H. Snider belatedly emailed a letter<\/a> to the SOS observing biases in the explanation of the convention question in the 2014 Voter Information Handbook.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=”8″ show_thumbnail=”off” use_manual_excerpt=”off” excerpt_length=”100″ show_categories=”off” show_excerpt=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”16px” header_line_height=”1.4em” meta_font=”|600|||||||” background_color=”#f3ffc0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blog][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” custom_margin=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Commission website<\/a><\/p>\n Dates of Commission meetings:<\/p>\n * Public testimony accepted. The deadline for submitting written testimony was Aug. 23.<\/p>\n **Date the Commission approved its Report.<\/p>\n J.H. Snider submitted written testimony related to past constitutional convention referendum campaign finance disclosure problems<\/a> and the structure and biases of past preparatory commission reports<\/a>. This testimony was ignored in the final report.<\/p>\n Op-Eds<\/strong><\/p>\n Snider, J.H., Constitutional convention’s benefits outweigh cost<\/a>, Providence Journal<\/em>, Sept. 7, 2024. The print edition version of this op-ed was published under the title RI’s flawed obsession with a constitutional convention’s cost<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Snider, J.H., Legislature does a disservice to RI’s constitutional convention process<\/a>,\u00a0Providence Journal<\/em>, June 23, 2024. The print edition version of this op-ed was published under the title Legislature is Subverting State\u2019s ConCon Process<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Snider, J.H., and Gary Sasse,\u00a0<\/span>It\u2019s past time for RI to prep for Nov. 5 constitutional convention<\/a>, Providence Journal<\/em>, May 12, 2024. The print edition version of this op-ed was published under the title Give priority to prep for constitutional convention.<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Letter<\/strong><\/p>\n Conley, Patrick,\u00a0<\/span>Time is running out<\/a>, Providence Journal, May 18, 2024. [J.H. Snider Note: The author drafted the periodic constitutional convention referendum as a delegate at Rhode Island\u2019s 1973 constitutional convention.]<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/rhodeisland.concon.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2024-06-23-ProvidenceJournal-JHSnider-LegislatureSubvertingStateConConProcess-Print-Version.png” title_text=”2024-06-23–ProvidenceJournal–JHSnider–LegislatureSubvertingStateConConProcess–Print Version” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/rhodeisland.concon.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2024-05-12-ProvidenceJournal-SniderAndSassOped-Print-Version-LargeFormat.png” title_text=”2024-05-12–ProvidenceJournal–SniderAndSassOped–Print Version–LargeFormat” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/rhodeisland.concon.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2024-05-18-Patrick-Conley-Time-is-running-out-Letter-in-Providence-Journal-Header.png” title_text=”2024-05-18–Patrick Conley–Time is running out–Letter in Providence Journal–Header” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||6px|||” border_width_all=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_blurb title=”Time is running out” _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_align=”center” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”-8px||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|5px|2px|8px|false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.providencejournal.com\/story\/opinion\/letters\/2024\/05\/18\/saturday-letters-turmoil-on-campuses-keep-pension-reform-as-is\/73621573007\/” link_option_url_new_window=”on” border_width_all=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n “As the drafter and principal sponsor in the 1973 Constitutional Convention of present Article XIV of the Rhode Island Constitution that mandates periodic 10-year referenda to allow the voters to decide whether or not there exists a need to review or revise our state\u2019s basic law, I strongly concur with the opinion essay by J.H. Snider and Gary Sasse (“Give priority to prep for constitutional convention,” Commentary, May 12) regarding not only the need but also the constitutional obligation for its General Assembly to create a non-partisan citizens preparatory commission with an expert research staff.<\/p>\n Time is running out for such a required commission to present a meaningful report to the voters ahead of this November\u2019s periodic referendum. Semper Paratus.”<\/p>\n –Patrick T. Conley, Former Delegate, [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px||25px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_testimonial author=”John Marion” job_title=”Executive Director, Rhode Island Common Cause” company_name=”Cited in Rhode Island Current” url=”https:\/\/rhodeislandcurrent.com\/2024\/07\/08\/commission-prepping-for-potential-concon-is-short-on-time-is-it-capable-of-taking-the-long-view\/” url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_align=”left” author_text_align=”left” author_line_height=”1.8em” background_color=”rgba(0,176,240,0.32)” custom_margin=”-40px||31px||false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/rhodeislandcurrent.com\/2024\/07\/08\/commission-prepping-for-potential-concon-is-short-on-time-is-it-capable-of-taking-the-long-view\/” company_text_shadow_style=”preset1″ border_width_all=”1px” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s disappointing to see that [in] a state rich in colleges and universities, including a law school, there isn\u2019t an actual expert in constitutional law on the commission.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n RhodeIslandConCon.Info Blog Coverage<\/strong><\/p>\n News Coverage<\/strong><\/p>\n Morse, Carroll Andrew,\u00a0Interview with Steve Frias, on the Work of the Constitutional Convention Preparatory Commission<\/a>,\u00a0Anchor Rising & The Ocean State Current<\/em>, September 3, 2014.<\/p>\n Edgar, Randall,\u00a0Committee issues report on possible topics, cost for RI Constitutional Convention<\/a>,\u00a0The Three Popular Votes Required For The Constitutional Convention Process To Cause Change<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Convention Polls<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The Secretary of State’s 2024 Ballot Summary\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Government Milestones<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n
STATE AT THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION IN 2024I: “SHALL THERE BE A CONVENTION TO AMEND OR REVISE THE CONSTITUTION?”” Its legislative history and current status can be found here<\/a>; type in 8326 in the bills field and then click on “enter.” The companion Senate bill is S 3137<\/a>.<\/p>\nTentative Government Milestones Based on 2014 Precedent<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Constitutionally Required General Assembly Resolutions in 2014<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Note: Rhode Island’s Constitution leaves the specific dates of the resolutions to the General Assembly’s discretion.<\/em><\/h3>\n
Launch of the Yes and No Coalitions<\/h2>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|on” admin_label=”Text Highlights” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nHighlights<\/h2>\n
October 17, 2014<\/h4>\n
![\"ProvidenceJournalFrontPageThumbnail--PNG\"](\"https:\/\/rhodeisland.concon.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/ProvidenceJournalFrontPageThumbnail-PNG-160x300.png\")
<\/a>October 16, 2014<\/h4>\nOctober 5, 2014<\/h4>\n
October 3, 2014<\/h4>\n
September 29, 2014<\/h4>\n
September 28, 2014<\/h4>\n
September 25, 2014<\/h4>\n
September 16, 2014<\/h4>\n
August 18, 2014<\/h4>\n
August 14, 2014<\/h4>\n
August 7, 2014<\/h4>\n
August 2, 2014<\/h4>\n
July 7, 2014<\/h4>\n
June 13, 2014<\/h4>\n
June 12, 2014<\/h4>\n
June 4, 2014<\/h4>\n
May 22, 2014<\/h4>\n
April 25, 2014<\/h4>\n
March 29, 2014<\/h4>\n
March 21, 2014<\/h4>\n
March 20, 2014<\/h4>\n
January 31, 2013<\/h4>\n
Working Paper<\/h3>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_countdown_timer title=”Count down to polls closing” date_time=”2024-11-05 00:00″ admin_label=”Countdown Timer” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ numbers_font_size=”22px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_layout=”light” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_countdown_timer][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/rhodeisland.concon.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/RhodeIsland-Flag-Hope-600X527.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_duration=”500ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” animation=”left” sticky=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_line_height=”1.4em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nRhode Islanders’ Trust in State Government —
Survey Results<\/h3>\n\n
2024 Voter Information Handbook<\/strong><\/h3>\n
J.H. Snider Op-Eds<\/strong><\/h3>\n
2024 Preparatory Commission Cycle<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
1973 Constitutional Convention<\/em><\/p>\n2014 Preparatory Commission Cycle<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
![here<\/a>. No public testimony will be taken at this meeting. Information on all Rhode Island state commission can be found](\"https:\/\/rhodeisland.concon.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/2024-07-24-Rhode-Island-Preparatory-Commission-Meeting-Agenda.png\"){kind=link}
![RI’s flawed obsession with a constitutional convention’s cost<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nSnider, J.H., Legislature does a disservice to RI’s constitutional convention process<\/a>,\u00a0Providence Journal<\/em>, June 23, 2024. The print edition version of this op-ed was published under the title Legislature is Subverting State\u2019s ConCon Process<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nSnider, J.H., and Gary Sasse,\u00a0<\/span>It\u2019s past time for RI to prep for Nov. 5 constitutional convention<\/a>, Providence Journal<\/em>, May 12, 2024. The print edition version of this op-ed was published under the title Give priority to prep for constitutional convention.<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nLetter<\/strong><\/p>\nConley, Patrick,\u00a0<\/span>Time is running out<\/a>, Providence Journal, May 18, 2024. [J.H. Snider Note: The author drafted the periodic constitutional convention referendum as a delegate at Rhode Island\u2019s 1973 constitutional convention.]<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/rhodeisland.concon.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2024-06-23-ProvidenceJournal-JHSnider-LegislatureSubvertingStateConConProcess-Print-Version.png” title_text=”2024-06-23–ProvidenceJournal–JHSnider–LegislatureSubvertingStateConConProcess–Print Version” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/rhodeisland.concon.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2024-05-12-ProvidenceJournal-SniderAndSassOped-Print-Version-LargeFormat.png” title_text=”2024-05-12–ProvidenceJournal–SniderAndSassOped–Print Version–LargeFormat” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/rhodeisland.concon.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2024-05-18-Patrick-Conley-Time-is-running-out-Letter-in-Providence-Journal-Header.png” title_text=”2024-05-18–Patrick Conley–Time is running out–Letter in Providence Journal–Header” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||6px|||” border_width_all=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_blurb title=”Time is running out” _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_align=”center” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”-8px||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|5px|2px|8px|false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.providencejournal.com\/story\/opinion\/letters\/2024\/05\/18\/saturday-letters-turmoil-on-campuses-keep-pension-reform-as-is\/73621573007\/” link_option_url_new_window=”on” border_width_all=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n“As the drafter and principal sponsor in the 1973 Constitutional Convention of present Article XIV of the Rhode Island Constitution that mandates periodic 10-year referenda to allow the voters to decide whether or not there exists a need to review or revise our state\u2019s basic law, I strongly concur with the opinion essay by J.H. Snider and Gary Sasse (“Give priority to prep for constitutional convention,” Commentary, May 12) regarding not only the need but also the constitutional obligation for its General Assembly to create a non-partisan citizens preparatory commission with an expert research staff.<\/p>\nTime is running out for such a required commission to present a meaningful report to the voters ahead of this November\u2019s periodic referendum. Semper Paratus.”<\/p>\n–Patrick T. Conley, Former Delegate,1973 Constitutional Convention<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px||25px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_testimonial author=”John Marion” job_title=”Executive Director, Rhode Island Common Cause” company_name=”Cited in Rhode Island Current” url=”https:\/\/rhodeislandcurrent.com\/2024\/07\/08\/commission-prepping-for-potential-concon-is-short-on-time-is-it-capable-of-taking-the-long-view\/” url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_align=”left” author_text_align=”left” author_line_height=”1.8em” background_color=”rgba(0,176,240,0.32)” custom_margin=”-40px||31px||false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/rhodeislandcurrent.com\/2024\/07\/08\/commission-prepping-for-potential-concon-is-short-on-time-is-it-capable-of-taking-the-long-view\/” company_text_shadow_style=”preset1″ border_width_all=”1px” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n\u201cIt\u2019s disappointing to see that [in] a state rich in colleges and universities, including a law school, there isn\u2019t an actual expert in constitutional law on the commission.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n2014 Preparatory Commission Cycle<\/strong><\/h3>\nRhodeIslandConCon.Info Blog Coverage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n1st Meeting<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n2nd Meeting<\/a><\/li>\n3rd and 4th Meeting<\/a><\/li>\n5th Meeting<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nNews Coverage<\/strong><\/p>\nMorse, Carroll Andrew,\u00a0Interview with Steve Frias, on the Work of the Constitutional Convention Preparatory Commission<\/a>,\u00a0Anchor Rising & The Ocean State Current<\/em>, September 3, 2014.<\/p>\nEdgar, Randall,\u00a0Committee issues report on possible topics, cost for RI Constitutional Convention<\/a>,\u00a0](\"https:\/\/rhodeisland.concon.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/2024-09-07-Providence-Journal-JHSnider-op-ed.png\"){kind=link}
![Give priority to prep for constitutional convention.<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nLetter<\/strong><\/p>\nConley, Patrick,\u00a0<\/span>Time is running out<\/a>, Providence Journal, May 18, 2024. [J.H. Snider Note: The author drafted the periodic constitutional convention referendum as a delegate at Rhode Island\u2019s 1973 constitutional convention.]<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/rhodeisland.concon.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2024-06-23-ProvidenceJournal-JHSnider-LegislatureSubvertingStateConConProcess-Print-Version.png” title_text=”2024-06-23–ProvidenceJournal–JHSnider–LegislatureSubvertingStateConConProcess–Print Version” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/rhodeisland.concon.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2024-05-12-ProvidenceJournal-SniderAndSassOped-Print-Version-LargeFormat.png” title_text=”2024-05-12–ProvidenceJournal–SniderAndSassOped–Print Version–LargeFormat” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/rhodeisland.concon.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2024-05-18-Patrick-Conley-Time-is-running-out-Letter-in-Providence-Journal-Header.png” title_text=”2024-05-18–Patrick Conley–Time is running out–Letter in Providence Journal–Header” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||6px|||” border_width_all=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_blurb title=”Time is running out” _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_align=”center” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”-8px||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|5px|2px|8px|false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.providencejournal.com\/story\/opinion\/letters\/2024\/05\/18\/saturday-letters-turmoil-on-campuses-keep-pension-reform-as-is\/73621573007\/” link_option_url_new_window=”on” border_width_all=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n“As the drafter and principal sponsor in the 1973 Constitutional Convention of present Article XIV of the Rhode Island Constitution that mandates periodic 10-year referenda to allow the voters to decide whether or not there exists a need to review or revise our state\u2019s basic law, I strongly concur with the opinion essay by J.H. Snider and Gary Sasse (“Give priority to prep for constitutional convention,” Commentary, May 12) regarding not only the need but also the constitutional obligation for its General Assembly to create a non-partisan citizens preparatory commission with an expert research staff.<\/p>\nTime is running out for such a required commission to present a meaningful report to the voters ahead of this November\u2019s periodic referendum. Semper Paratus.”<\/p>\n–Patrick T. Conley, Former Delegate,1973 Constitutional Convention<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px||25px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_testimonial author=”John Marion” job_title=”Executive Director, Rhode Island Common Cause” company_name=”Cited in Rhode Island Current” url=”https:\/\/rhodeislandcurrent.com\/2024\/07\/08\/commission-prepping-for-potential-concon-is-short-on-time-is-it-capable-of-taking-the-long-view\/” url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.26.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_align=”left” author_text_align=”left” author_line_height=”1.8em” background_color=”rgba(0,176,240,0.32)” custom_margin=”-40px||31px||false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/rhodeislandcurrent.com\/2024\/07\/08\/commission-prepping-for-potential-concon-is-short-on-time-is-it-capable-of-taking-the-long-view\/” company_text_shadow_style=”preset1″ border_width_all=”1px” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n\u201cIt\u2019s disappointing to see that [in] a state rich in colleges and universities, including a law school, there isn\u2019t an actual expert in constitutional law on the commission.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n2014 Preparatory Commission Cycle<\/strong><\/h3>\nRhodeIslandConCon.Info Blog Coverage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n1st Meeting<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n2nd Meeting<\/a><\/li>\n3rd and 4th Meeting<\/a><\/li>\n5th Meeting<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nNews Coverage<\/strong><\/p>\nMorse, Carroll Andrew,\u00a0Interview with Steve Frias, on the Work of the Constitutional Convention Preparatory Commission<\/a>,\u00a0Anchor Rising & The Ocean State Current<\/em>, September 3, 2014.<\/p>\nEdgar, Randall,\u00a0Committee issues report on possible topics, cost for RI Constitutional Convention<\/a>,\u00a0](\"https:\/\/rhodeisland.concon.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2024-05-12-ProvidenceJournal-SniderAndSassOped-Print-Version-LargeFormat.png\"){kind=link}