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Illinois Constitutional Convention Question (2028)
| Illinois Constitutional Convention Question | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Election date November 7, 2028 | |
| Topic Constitutional conventions | |
| Status On the ballot | |
| Type Automatic referral | Origin Dictated by law |
The Illinois Constitutional Convention Question is on the ballot in Illinois as an automatic ballot referral on November 7, 2028.
A "yes" vote supports holding a state constitutional convention. |
A "no" vote opposes holding a state constitutional convention. |
In Illinois, a state constitutional convention question is provided to voters every 20 years after the prior question. Illinois voters addressed a constitutional convention question in 2008.
Background
Constitutional Convention Question (2008)
On Nov. 4, 2008, Illinois voters rejected a constitutional convention question by 67%-32% of the vote. Supporters of a 'yes' vote included Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn. The Chicago Tribune also endorsed a 'yes' vote.[1] Opponents included Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan (D), with the Chicago Sun-Times and Daily Herald endorsing a 'no' vote.[2][3] The Alliance to Protect the Illinois Constitution (APIC) was the main opponent of a 'yes' vote.[4]
List of constitutional convention questions in Illinois
According to Section 1 of Article XIV of the Illinois Constitution, a constitutional convention question is called in Illinois every 20 years beginning in 1962. The following table provides a list of the questions since then and their results:
| Year | Measure | Yes | No | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1918 | Proposal | 77.60% | 22.40% |  |
| 1934 | Proposal | 54.12% | 45.88% |  |
| 1968 | Question | 72.41% | 27.59% | |
| 1988 | Question | 24.82% | 75.18% | |
| 2008 | Question | 32.77% | 67.23% | |
Automatic constitutional convention questions
- See also: State constitutional conventions
In 14 states, a constitutional convention question is an automatic ballot referral, meaning no legislative vote is required. Rather, the state constitution includes a provision calling for the question at a specific interval. Oklahoma has a requirement; however, state officials have declined to place a question on the ballot since 1970.
| State | Interval | Last question on the ballot | Next question on the ballot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 10 years | 2022 | 2032 |
| Iowa | 10 years | 2020 | 2030 |
| New Hampshire | 10 years | 2022 | 2032 |
| Rhode Island | 10 years | 2024 | 2034 |
| Hawaii | 10 years | 2018 | 2028 |
| Michigan | 16 years | 2010 | 2026 |
| Connecticut | 20 years | 2008 | 2028 |
| Illinois | 20 years | 2008 | 2028 |
| Maryland | 20 years | 2010 | 2030 |
| Missouri | 20 years | 2022 | 2042 |
| Montana | 20 years | 2010 | 2030 |
| New York | 20 years | 2017 | 2037 |
| Ohio | 20 years | 2012 | 2032 |
| Oklahoma | 20 years | 1970 | N/A |
Path to the ballot
- See also: State constitutional conventions
In Illinois, a state constitutional convention question is provided to voters every 20 years after the prior question. Illinois addressed a constitutional convention question in 2008.
Section 1 of Article XIV of the Illinois Constitution governs the constitutional convention question. The following is Section 31 of Article XIV:
Note: Hover over the text and scroll to see the full text.
Text of 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.[5]
See also
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Footnotes
- ↑ Chicago Tribune, "Editorial: Vote yes on con-con," October 5, 2008
- ↑ Chicago Sun Times, "Don't vote for a new constitutional convention," October 7, 2008
- ↑ Daily Herald, "Vote 'no' on constitutional convention," October 20, 2008
- ↑ Alliance to Protect the IL Constitution website
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source.
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