[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#ffffff” background_image=”https:\/\/rhodeisland.concon.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Rhode-Island-Legislature.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”css” global_module=”1769″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”The Rhode Island State Constitutional Convention Clearinghouse” subhead=”Information on Rhode Island’s constitutionally mandated Nov. 5, 2024 constitutional convention referendum, including news, opinion, and history” text_orientation=”center” content_max_width=”none” admin_label=”Fullwidth Sitewide Header” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ title_font_size=”40px” title_line_height=”1.3em” subhead_font_size=”24px” subhead_line_height=”1.3em” background_color=”rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)” global_colors_info=”{}” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f3ffc1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|13px||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Fan, Flora, Local, state voters approve higher ed bond for URI, RIC<\/a>, The Independent, Nov. 8, 2024.<\/p>\n Meyer, Renee, Block Island casts its votes<\/a>, Block Island Times, Nov. 8, 2024.<\/p>\n Shea, Christopher, R.I. voters again rejected a constitutional convention question. Time to get rid of it?<\/a>, Rhode Island Current, Nov. 7, 2024.*<\/p>\n Voters OK $551M in spending on four bonds<\/a>, Jamestown Press, Nov. 7, 2024.<\/p>\n McGowan, Dan, and Alexa Gagosz, Rhode Island voters will reject constitutional convention, back four bonds worth $343.5 million, in unofficial results<\/a>, Boston Globe Rhode Island, Nov. 6, 2024. [Includes chart with results of last five concon elections in Rhode Island.] See also one-sentence summary<\/a> in another article the same day.<\/p>\n Berke, Ben, R.I. voters approve new bonds for public projects, but nix constitutional convention<\/a>, Rhode Island PBS, Nov. 6, 2024: “Faced with five ballot questions in a high-turnout election, Rhode Islanders authorized more than $343 million in new bonds to fund a broad swath of public projects and declined the opportunity to host a constitutional convention to revise the state\u2019s constitution. Factoring in the interest the state will pay on the bonds over their 20-year lifetime, the full amount of spending voters authorized is expected to be about $550 million, according to the office of Secretary of State Gregg Amore.”<\/p>\n Anderson, Patrick, Maybe next decade. RI voters sink constitutional convention, approve bonds for ports, arts<\/a>, Providence Journal, Nov. 6, 2024.*<\/p>\n Voters Turn Down Constitutional Convention<\/a>, News Radio 920 AM, 104.7 FM, Nov. 6, 2024.<\/p>\n Hanewich, Cate, The Rhode Island Board of Elections releases the unofficial 2024 ballot question results<\/a>, ABC 6, Nov. 6, 2024. [Incoherent prose.]<\/p>\n Democrats retain control of local government in East Greenwich<\/a>, Southern Rhode Island Newspaper, Nov. 6, 2024.<\/p>\n Constitutional Convent, ion, Question #1 Defeated<\/a>, GoLocalProv, Nov. 5, 2024.<\/p>\n Shea, Christopher, Voters reject Question 1 asking to hold a constitutional convention<\/a>, Rhode Island Current, Nov. 5, 2024.<\/p>\n Anderson, Patrick, Maybe next decade. RI voters sink constitutional convention, approve bonds for ports, arts<\/a>, Providence Journal, Nov. 5, 2024. Also published in Newport Daily News<\/a>, Nov. 5, 2024.<\/p>\n What about the ballot questions? RIers to decide funding for housing, arts, environment<\/a>, Providence Journal, Nov. 5, 2024. [J.H. Snider Note: Partisan framing.]<\/span><\/p>\n Rhode Island ballot questions seek approval for constitutional convention, bond issues<\/a>, WJAR, Nov. 5, 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n Gavin, Christopher, Opposition to R.I. constitutional convention surges among likely voters before Election Day, new poll finds<\/a>, Boston Globe Rhode Island, Nov. 4, 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n Poll: Support for rejection of R.I. constitutional convention grows<\/a>, Providence Business News, Nov. 4, 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n Shea, Christopher, Poll says voters likely to reject Question 1<\/a>, Rhode Island Current, Nov. 4, 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n Baccari, Raymond and Lauren Brill, Poll: Harris maintains double-digit lead over Trump in RI, Mass.<\/a>. WPRI, Nov. 3, 2024. DeAngelis, Gino and Laralyn Jackson,\u00a0UNH poll shows Harris over Trump in Massachusetts and Rhode Island<\/a>, ABC 6 Providence Now, Nov. 3, 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n Nesi, Ted, Nesi\u2019s Notes<\/a>, WPRI, Nov. 2, 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n Donnis, Ian, How a Trump election would affect R.I., why legislative incumbents maintain an edge, and more<\/a>, Rhode Island PBS, Nov. 1, 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n Smith, Erin Geiger, 2024 Ballot Measures to Watch<\/a>, Brennan Center, Nov. 1, 2024. [J.H. Snider note: I encouraged the Brennan Center to take an interest in this ballot measure.]<\/span><\/p>\n Confused about Question 1 on the RI ballot? Here’s the quick and dirty<\/a>, Providence Journal, Oct. 31, 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n McGowan, Dan, R.I. Governor McKee, ILO Group, and the constitutional convention question<\/a>, Boston Globe Rhode Island, Oct. 30, 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n Issues on the Ballot<\/a>, Providence Eye, Oct. 30, 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n Farzan, Antonia Noori, Here’s what changed \u2013 and what didn’t \u2013 as a result of RI’s last constitutional convention<\/a>, Providence Journal, Oct. 28, 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n Crandall, Brian, Long overdue or dangerous? Voters will decide constitutional convention ballot question<\/a>, NBC 10 NEWSMon, Oct. 28, 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n Voghel, Jacquelyn, Constitutional convention? Clashing views<\/a>, PBN, Oct. 25, 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n Lardner, Richard, What to expect in Rhode Island on Election Day<\/a>, ABC News, Oct. 25, 2024. Links to SOS’s Voter Information Handbook to provide the convention explanation.<\/span><\/p>\n Wolfang, Zane, Explaining the Constitutional Convention Ballot Question<\/a>, Newport This Week, Oct. 24, 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n Pelletiere, Isabella, and Josh Kurman,With early voting underway, residents to consider five ballot questions<\/a>, Providence Now, Oct. 24, 2024.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Decker, Geoff, The ballot asks the questions; voters provide the answers<\/a>, Cranston Herald, Oct. 23, 2024.<\/p>\n VOTER GUIDE: Rhode Island ballot questions<\/a>, Westerly Sun, Oct. 21, 2024.<\/p>\n Nadalin, Christy, What do do with Question 1?<\/a>, EastBayRI, Oct. 21, 2024. “For Vimala Phongsavanh, who serves as Director of External Affairs for Planned Parenthoos and the Chair of Rhode Island Citizens for Responsible Government, this issue comes down to fundamental rights. \u201cA Constitutional Convention will open the floodgates for outside money to come into the state and strip away protections. Unlimited funds can come into the state from special interests, and then these issues will be out of the hands of Rhode Islanders.”<\/p>\n \u201cI really don\u2019t think it\u2019s proper to subject the Rhode Island Constitution to the influence of big money, dark money from outside the state,\u201d Patrick Crowley, Secretary-Treasurer of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO. \u201cWe are seeing the far right\u2019s efforts to change constitutions at both the state and federal levels.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s kind of ironic,\u201d said Conley. \u201cFor 100 years from 1850 to 1950, when the Republican Party was in power in Rhode Island, the Democratic Party was the one that wanted Constitutional Reform. Now that the Democrats are in power, the reformers are the Republicans.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Nesi, Ted, Nesi\u2019s Notes: Oct. 19<\/a>, WPRI, Oct. 19, 2024.<\/p>\n Nesi, Ted, Nesi\u2019s Notes: Oct. 12<\/a>, WPRI, Oct. 12, 2024.<\/p>\n Flower, Jucolyn, What are the 2024 Ballot Questions for Rhode Island<\/a>, WPRI, Oct. 11, 2024.<\/p>\n Wilkinson, Kate, Question 1 clash over RI constitutional convention: Some warn of risks to rights<\/a>, WRPI, Oct. 9, 2024.<\/p>\n Anderson, Patrick, Taking sides: Where do RI leaders stand on constitutional convention question?<\/a>, Providence Journal, Oct. 8, 2024.<\/p>\n Castro, Alexander, Cranston mayoral candidates both claim to love July 4th in fireworks-filled debate<\/a>, Rhode Island Current, Oct. 7, 2024.<\/p>\n Hernandez, Luis, and Joe Tasca, Breaking down the ballot: Should Rhode Island hold a constitutional convention?<\/a>, Public Radio, Oct. 4, 2024.<\/p>\n Shea, Christopher, R.I. voters almost evenly split on whether to hold a constitutional convention, new poll finds<\/a>, Rhode Island Current, Sept. 23, 2024. Also published in Providence Business News<\/a>, Sept. 24, 2024.<\/p>\n Gregg, Katherine, Hopes, fears and money go into campaigns for and against constitutional convention<\/a>, Providence Journal, Sept. 23, 2024. Summarized here<\/a>, Sept. 28, 2024. [J.H. Snider Note: Reporter Gregg is a member of a local union, the Rhode Island chapter of the NewsGuild-CWA, which is an affiliate and close ally of the Rhode Island chapter of the AFL-CIO, the primary source for her story, including the video at the top of it.<\/a>]<\/span><\/p>\n Doherty, Ryan and Tom Li, Unsurprisingly, Kamala Harris may win Rhode Island, recent poll finds<\/a>, The Brown Daily Herald, Sept. 19, 2024.<\/p>\n What to know about Question 1, which asks whether RI should hold a constitutional convention<\/a>, Providence Journal, Sept. 16, 2024.<\/p>\n Rhode Island Voters Guide: Key races in the November 2024 General Election<\/a>, Providence Journal, Sept. 16, 2024.<\/p>\n Belmore, Ryan, Representative Craven and Senator Euer to lead a panel discussion on Constituional Convention ballot question<\/a>, What’s Up NewP, Sept. 13, 2024.<\/p>\n Ghosh, Avani, Take a look at the major measures on Rhode Island\u2019s 2024 ballot<\/a>, The Brown Daily Herald, Sept. 11, 2024.<\/p>\n Shea, Christopher, ConCon Commission\u2019s report is done. Now it\u2019s up to the voters<\/a>, Rhode Island Current, August 29, 2024. [J.H. Snider Note: Rep. Arthur Corvese is quoted as saying, “I thought it was a good, concise evaluation of what was presented in testimony….” I disagree with this claim, and I listened to every public meeting of the commission and read all the testimony submitted to it. Although some facts in the report appear incorrect, its major flaw is that its narrative reflected a strong, albeit subtle, bias against a convention, despite nominally being presented as a balanced, objective report. This bias includes cleverly disparaging a convention by flipping pro and con statements, cherry-picking and highlighting certain testimony, and presenting testimony out of context. My biggest single objection to the report is its indifference to constitutional theory and ignoring arguments presented to it that the democratic purpose of a convention is to empower the people to bypass the legislature in initiating and proposing constitutional amendments.]<\/span><\/p>\n Anderson, Patrick, RI lawmakers conclude final constitutional convention report<\/a>, Providence Journal, Aug. 29, 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n Anderson, Patrick, Many variables at play in cost of a RI constitutional convention<\/a>. How it might work, Providence Journal, August 22, 2024.<\/p>\n Shea, Christopher, Want a constitutional convention in 2026? Here\u2019s how much it could cost the state<\/a>, Rhode Island Current, August 21, 2024.<\/p>\n Shea, Christopher, Constitutional convention commission is firming up opinions and cost estimate<\/a>, Rhode Island Current, August 20, 2024.<\/p>\n Belmore, Ryan, Commission prepares for Constitutional Convention discussion<\/a>, What’s Up News, August 19, 2024.<\/p>\n Shea, Christopher, Opponents to constitutional convention ramp up campaign spending plan<\/a>, Rhode Island Current, August 13, 2024.<\/p>\n Shea, Christopher, The cons keep lobbying hard as constitutional convention preparatory commission goes about its work<\/a>, Rhode Island Current, August 8, 2024.<\/p>\n Voghel, Jacquelyn, Is holding an R.I. constitutional convention a danger?<\/a>, Providence Business News, August 2, 2024.<\/p>\n Voters get their say on convention<\/a>, Providence Business News, August 2, 2024.<\/p>\n Shea, Christopher, Proponents from both ends of political spectrum see wisdom of holding constitutional convention<\/a>, Rhode Island Current, July 30, 2024.<\/p>\n Anderson, Patrick, Should RI have a Constitutional Convention?<\/a>, The cases for and against, Providence Journal, July 30, 2024.<\/p>\n MEDIA ADVISORY: Constitutional Convention Commission meets tomorrow<\/a>, Office of the Speaker, July 29, 2024.<\/p>\n Should Rhode Island hold its first constitutional convention since 1986?<\/a>, Providence Business News, July 26, 2024.<\/p>\n Shea, Christopher, R.I. constitutional convention ballot question opponents mobilize to convince voters to just say no<\/a>, Rhode Island Current, July 24, 2024. Also published by States Newsroom<\/a>, July 24, 2024.<\/p>\n RIers launch campaign against constitutional convention ballot question<\/a>, WPRI, July 24, 2024.<\/p>\n Anderson, Patrick, ‘Frightening prospect’: Why RI’s unions are organizing against a constitutional convention<\/a>, Providence Journal, July 24, 2024.<\/p>\n McGowan, Dan, The R.I. Constitutional Convention Debate Begins Today<\/a>, Boston Globe, July 24, 2024.<\/p>\n Coalition launches campaign against Constitutional Convention ballot question<\/a>, Providence Business News, July 24, 2024.<\/p>\n DeAngelis, Gino, Campaign against Rhode Island constitutional convention launched<\/a>, ABC6 Providence Now, July 24, 2024.<\/p>\n Ahlquist, Steve, Copy of Rhode Island Citizens for Responsible Government Press Release<\/a>, July 24, 2024.<\/p>\n RI Citizens for Responsible Government launches campaign to defeat Constitutional Convention; urges voters to reject Question 1<\/a>, Woonsocket Radio News Room, July 24, 2024. [J.H. Snider note: this article consists of the full press release sent out by RI Citizens for Responsible Government.]<\/p>\n The Ocean State Poll<\/a>, UNH Survey Center Polls, number 805, July 18, 2024.<\/a><\/p>\n Gregg, Katherine, New poll: Rhode Islanders unhappy with McKee, direction of the state. Here’s the takeaways<\/a>, Providence Journal, July 18, 2024. “Few seem to understand the ‘Constitutional Convention’ question they will see on the November ballot.”<\/p>\n Nesi, Ted, Poll: McKee job approval at 29% as most Rhode Islanders say state is on wrong track<\/a>, WPRI, July 18, 2024.<\/p>\n Shea, Christopher, Commission prepping for potential ConCon is short on time. But can it take the long view?<\/a> Rhode Island Current, July 8, 2024.<\/p>\n Lavin, Nancy, Election-related wins and losses from the 2024 legislative session<\/a>, Rhode Island Courant, July 5, 2024.<\/p>\n Ian Donnis\u2019 Rhode Island politics roundup for July 5, 2024<\/a>, The Public’s Radio, July 5, 2024.<\/p>\n Baccari, Raymond, RI assembles constitutional convention commission ahead of November vote<\/a>, WPRI, July 3, 2024.<\/p>\n DeAngelis, Gino, Rhode Island General Assembly makes appointments for Constitutional Convention Commission<\/a>, ABC6\/Providence Now, July 3, 2024.<\/p>\n Gregg, Katherine, School’s in for summer: These are the topics lawmakers will be ‘studying’ in the offseason<\/a>, Providence Journal, July 1, 2024.<\/p>\n Gregg, Katherine and Patrick Anderson, Legislature finishes with votes on $13.9B budget, granny flats, criminal records<\/a>, Providence Journal, June 14, 2024.<\/p>\n Gregg, Katherine and Patrick Anderson, Legislature headed for finish with votes on $13.9B budget, granny flats, criminal records<\/a>, Newport Daily News, June 13, 2024.<\/p>\n Fitzpatrick, Edward, Key issues to watch as R.I. General Assembly races to the finish line<\/a>, Boston Globe, June 13, 2024.<\/p>\n Baccari, Raymond, What to keep an eye on as RI\u2019s legislative session wraps up<\/a>, WPRI, June 12, 2024.<\/p>\n Shea, Christopher, Constitutional conventions: a relic of old or a chance for reform? It\u2019s time for voters to decide<\/a>, Rhode Island Current, June 11, 2024. J.H. Snider correction: There are fourteen, not five, states in the U.S. that have the periodic constitutional convention referendum.<\/p>\n Anderson, Patrick, and Katherin Gregg, RI House lawmakers approve $13.9B budget<\/a>, Providence Journal, June 7, 2024. “Rep. Evan Shanley, a Warwick Democrat, suggested an inspector general is an ‘excellent’ idea, but one that is better addressed in a Constitutional Convention than in the budget.” See also Office of Inspector General an idea whose time has come<\/a>, Providence Journal, June 8, 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n Anderson, Patrick, Should RI reopen the state Constitution? Voters may decide in November<\/a>, Providence Journal, June 4, 2024.<\/p>\n Fitzpatrick, Edward, R.I. debates whether to hold a state constitutional convention<\/a>, Boston Globe, June 3, 2024.<\/p>\n Prosnitz, Frank, On the ballot: Constitutional Convention<\/a>, WUN, Feb. 26, 2024.<\/p>\n Will RI vote for a Constitutional Convention in 2024?<\/a>, Providence Journal, Jan. 9, 2023.<\/p>\n Frazier, Kevin,\u00a0<\/span>Vote Yes for a Constitutional Convention (for Rhode Island)<\/a>, Democracy Paradox, Jan. 9, 2023.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/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 Block Blasts Shekarchi Over Inspector General Legislation<\/a>, GoLocalProv, April 12, 2025.<\/p>\n Donnis, Ian, TGIF: Ian Donnis\u2019 Rhode Island politics roundup<\/a>, Rhode Island PBS, April 11, 2025.<\/p>\n Lavin, Nancy, Inspector general bill returns to the State House. And so does Massachusetts IG<\/a>, Rhode Island Current, April 10, 2025.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Snider, J.H., The disinformation campaign against a R.I. constitutional convention<\/a>, Boston Globe, Nov. 2, 2024. The Globe’s x.com post here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Grapentine, William Sousa, \u2018Yes\u2019 on Question 1 will restore power to the people<\/a>, EastBayRI, Oct. 31, 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n MacDonald, Stephen, Letter: Vote Yes on Question 1<\/a>, Newport This Week, Oct. 31, 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n Donnelly, Uriah, Letter: Vote ‘No’ on Question 1<\/a>, EastBayRI, Oct. 31, 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n Frias, Steve, A Constitutional Convention is our best hope for reform<\/a>, Cranston Heral, Oct. 30, 2024. Also published in the Warwick Beacon<\/a>, Oct. 31, 2024; and Providence Journal<\/a>, Nov. 2, 2024. Sasse, Gary, Why I’m voting for Question 1 on Nov. 5<\/a>, Providence Journal,\u00a0Oct. 26, 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n Shekarchi, K. Joseph, Why I’m voting against Question 1 on Nov. 5<\/a>, Providence Journal, Oct. 26, 2024. Also printed in the Cranston Herald<\/a>, Oct. 30, 2024, and the Warwick Beacon<\/a>, Oct. 31, 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n Sasse, Gary,
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