LWVCT Urges "No" Vote

On Constitutional Convention Question this November  In November, voters will vote on this question: Shall there be a constitutional convention to amend or revise the Constitution of the State? The League of Women Voters of Connecticut urges you to vote NO. Here’s some background along with the reasons for our opposition.

1. Why is this question on the ballot?

The Connecticut Constitution was given a full review in our most recent convention in 1965. Changes adopted at that time required this question to be on the ballot every 20 years. The last time the question was on the ballot, voters said "NO" to a constitutional convention.

2. What is a constitutional convention and what is its purpose?

A constitutional convention is a meeting of a selected group of people to review a state’s constitution for possible modifications or revisions, including the adoption of an entirely new constitution. The Connecticut General Assembly prescribes how delegates are selected and the timing of the convention. All issues are on the table and open for discussion. Proposals receiving the approval of the delegates are submitted to the voters.

Constitutions provide for a system of governance and often include provisions protecting the citizenry from improper use of government authority. Constitutional conventions have traditionally been used to revise old constitutions or to draft new ones.

3. How many constitutional conventions has Connecticut held?

Only three — in 1818, 1902, and 1965. The 1818 convention resulted in the Constitution of 1818, which replaced the Fundamental Orders of 1639, and thereby established a new mode of governance. The 1902 a constitutional convention sought to address the issue of reapportionment; however, the convention’s proposals were rejected by the voters.

In 1965, following the Supreme Court’s "one person, one vote" decision in Reynolds v. Sims, a federal district court ordered Connecticut to hold a constitutional convention to revise its legislative districting plan which favored small, rural towns over large, urban population centers. At that time, Connecticut’s constitution was given a full review. In addition to the reapportionment provisions, changes were made to the Bill of Rights and to articles dealing with executive powers and the judiciary, a section on free public education was added, and a process for calling future conventions was included.

4. Can our Constitution be changed without a convention?

Yes, the legislature can approve amendments and submit them to the voters. For example, this November, voters are being asked to approve an amendment which would allow 17-year-olds who will be 18 at the time of an election to vote in a primary.

5. What are the pro and con arguments to this question?

Supporters hope, through a convention, to enable direct initiative and referendum to become an accepted way of making laws and amending Connecticut’s constitution.

Several organizations, such as those that oppose gay marriage or support caps on property taxes, are working to convince voters to vote YES to holding a convention. They say that legislators do not adequately express the will of their constituents and that people need a more direct role in making laws.

Others will urge voters to vote NO because the initiative and referendum process undermines the role of elected legislators. The current legislative process, with its public hearings, its televised sessions, and its system of checks-and-balances, works the way a representative government should. They believe that it’s too easy for well-funded special interests to sway public opinion on hot-button issues without presenting balanced viewpoints or analyzing the long-term implications of proposals.

6. What’s the LWVCT position on a constitutional convention?

The League of Women Voters of Connecticut opposes the calling of a constitutional convention. A constitution provides the basic framework of government. We believe that the Connecticut Constitution still works for our citizens as a basic framework of government and that most voters are satisfied with the current system. The League is not convinced that the results of a constitutional convention would be worth the time, expense, and energy. Because all issues are fair game in a constitutional convention, we should not risk losing important revisions made to our constitution in 1965.

The LWVCT also opposes initiative and referendum. If voters are dissatisfied with the actions of the General Assembly, they should make their views known during the legislative process or elect new legislators. At this time, there are no pressing governance issues facing Connecticut that require calling a constitutional convention. The League believes that the Connecticut Constitution continues to work well as a basic framework of government.

For an explanation of the procedures for convening constitutional conventions in Connecticut from the state’s nonpartisan Office of Legislative Research, go to http://www.cga.ct.gov/2008/rpt/2008-R-0296.htm.