In 2008, voters in Connecticut will get to decide if a Constitutional Convention will be held to change the state Constitution. Proponents and opponents have been campaigning to sway voters to their sides. There are many issues at stake this year, so it is important for Connecticut voters to be informed in order to make the best possible decision when it comes to Question 1.
History
Connecticut led the way in constitutional government in 1639 by putting into place the Fundamental Orders, the first form of constitutional government in the colonies. This is why the state is nicknamed the Constitution State. After 1776, the State of Connecticut did not have a written constitution but continued to operate as it had under the Fundamental Orders. Since the government was stable and the Federalists had little to no opposition from the Republicans, there was no need to rewrite the Constitution. In 1818, however, there was conflict between the Republicans and Federalists and a convention was called in order to put a constitution writing and practice. In 1902, there was an attempt at changing this constitution since it did not address the representation of the lower house of the General Assembly. However, a convention did not take place until 1965. The 1965 constitution is the current constitution of Connecticut. A provision was put in place allowing the voters to decide every twenty years if a constitutional convention was to be held. In 1986, the voters voted "no". In 2008, the question is on the ballot again. (Information taken from Connecticut Constitutional History by Henry S. Cohn)
Process of Conventions
Advertisements by the opponents to the convention state that special interest groups would be in charge of the convention and would destroy all rights that have won. In actuality, the convention would allow for referendums for petitioners to put forth new measures. The General Assembly would set the criteria for who is a member of the convention. For all proposals, a majority vote would have to be obtained from the general public voters before any change to the constitution would be allowed to take place. (Connecticut State Constitution, Article 13) On September 26, 2008, current Governor Jodi Rell magazine showed her support for a constitutional convention in Newsday magazine stating that public participation in government allows the public to be better served by the government.
Hot Issue
Before the legalization of gay marriage in the state on October 10, 2008, there was little or no talk about Question 1. After the Connecticut Supreme Court's decision, many opponents of gay marriage started encouraging voters to vote yes on Question 1 in hopes of adding an amendment to the constitution stating that marriage is between one woman and one man. In response to these grassroot efforts, gay marriage supporters and others opposed to the constitutional convention put out television ads stating that the conventions would be dominated by special interests, especially those who wanted to take away rights such as gay marriage and on demand abortion. Since then, Question 1 has started to grab more attention.
Other Issues
While gay marriage is what made the topic so prominent about a month before the elections, there are other issues at stake. The state legislature has not passed a law requiring parents of teenage daughters to be notified when the teenager gets an abortion, which both opponents and supporters of abortion would like to see. In summer of 2007, William Petit's Cheshire home was invaded and his wife and two daughters were killed. After this attack, Petit worked tirelessly to get the legislature to pass a Three Strikes Bill, which ended up failing. The Three Strikes Bill would require life sentences for repeat offenders of violent crimes, including but not limited to rape, murder, arson, assault and kidnapping. Other issues at stake would be property tax reform (including lowering taxes) and imposing term limits on public officials.
"Vote No on Question 1"
Some of the groups who are opposed to the Constitutional Convention are Liberals Like Christ, NARAL Pro-Choice Connecticut, Planned Parenthood of Connecticut, Queers Without Borders and teacher's unions. For a more complete list, visit the Diocese of Bridgeport website (the list is at the bottom of the page).
"Vote Yes on Question 1"
There are fewer organizations that are supporting the Constitutional Convention, but they are not allowing their voices to be silenced. These groups are the Catholic Bishops of Connecticut, the Connecticut Catholic Conference and the Family Institute of Connecticut.
Final Consideration
The government is elected to serve the people. Before going into the voting booths on November 4th, take a look at what is at stake. Make sure that the state government is representing you. If they are not, take hold of this opportunity to get your voice heard.
