League of Women Voters of Illinois^®

The ballot for the November, 2008, General Election will ask voters whether Illinois should hold a Constitutional Convention.

Should There Be a Constitutional Convention?

Stated differently, do the anticipated benefits from rewriting specific articles of the constitution by a convention outweigh the potential risks involved in exposing the entire constitution to revision. Sharon Alter, co-chair of the LWVIL Con-Con Study Committee, points out these considerations:

1. the extent of the need to improve the Illinois Constitution,
2. the urgency to institute multiple reforms simultaneously, and
3. the potential to achieve piecemeal change through the current amendment process.

Panel Discussion: Pros and Cons of Calling a Constitutional Convention

Issues Briefing 2008 was supposed to feature a panel discussing the pros and cons of having a Constitutional Convention (Con-Con). Unfortunately, the unexpected death of Lt. Governor Pat Quinn's father prevented his attendance and presentation of the pro side. Here is the PRO side from a different source: an editorial from the Decatur Herald and Review.

Former State Representative Nancy Kaszak was present at the Issues Briefing to present the arguments in opposition to Con-Con. Here is the CON side.

League Study:

The Illinois League will use the consensus process to take a position on whether a Constitutional Convention should be called. The Con-Con Study Committee, with Kathy Nesburg and Sharon Alter as co-chairs, have prepared questions and materials:

Local Leagues will hold consensus meetings in late February or early March, 2008. To prepare for these meetings, Leaguers should read the Illinois Constitution, which can be found at www.ilga.gov. The Handbook of Illinois Government, which is published by the Illinois Secretary of State's office, contains the text and can be obtained at the offices of state senators or representatives.

Background from Union League Club of Chicago:

The Union League Club of Chicago also posed the question: AN ILLINOIS CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION IN 2008? A distinguished panel of experts responded with an article giving background information and a summary of the issues likely to be raised. That article is reprinted HERE with the permission of the Union League Club. The article is also referenced in the bibliography of the Con-Con Study Guide.

Background from the Illinois Constitution:

Constitution of the State of Illinois
ARTICLE XIV
CONSTITUTIONAL REVISION

SECTION 1. CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION
(a) Whenever three-fifths of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly so direct, the question of whether a Constitutional Convention should be called shall be submitted to the electors at the general election next occurring at least six months after such legislative direction.

(b) If the question of whether a Convention should be called is not submitted during any twenty-year period, the Secretary of State shall submit such question at the general election in the twentieth year following the last submission.

(c) The vote on whether to call a Convention shall be on a separate ballot. A Convention shall be called if approved by three-fifths of those voting on the question or a majority of those voting in the election.

(d) The General Assembly, at the session following approval by the electors, by law shall provide for the Convention and for the election of two delegates from each Legislative District; designate the time and place of the Convention's first meeting which shall be within three months after the election of delegates; fix and provide for the pay of delegates and officers; and provide for expenses necessarily incurred by the Convention.

(e) To be eligible to be a delegate a person must meet the same eligibility requirements as a member of the General Assembly. Vacancies shall be filled as provided by law.

(f) The Convention shall prepare such revision of or amendments to the Constitution as it deems necessary. Any proposed revision or amendments approved by a majority of the delegates elected shall be submitted to the electors in such manner as the Convention determines, at an election designated or called by the Convention occurring not less than two nor more than six months after the Convention's adjournment. Any revision or amendments proposed by the Convention shall be published with explanations, as the Convention provides, at least one month preceding the election.

(g) The vote on the proposed revision or amendments shall be on a separate ballot. Any proposed revision or amendments shall become effective, as the Convention provides, if approved by a majority of those voting on the question.