Pros and Cons of the Call for an Illinois State Constitutional Convention

On Election Day, Tuesday, November 4, 2008, Illinois voters will be asked whether or not the state should hold a Constitutional Convention. This call is sometimes abbreviated as Con-Con.

This guide discusses the implications of your voting for or against the call. This information is offered as a public service. It is non-partisan.

Related:

• What is the IL Call for a State Constitutional Convention?
  
• IL Call for a State Constitutional Convention Sample Ballot

Below you will find the pros and cons of the initiative. These points are taken directly from the Secretary of State's official information designed to inform the public on this measure in a non-partisan manner. (Although, please note, there is still debate between proponents on both sides of this issue about whether this language is truly non-partisan. So, you'll have to make up your own mind on that.)

YES VOTE: Summary of Arguments in Favor of Holding an Illinois Constitutional Convention

• A Constitutional Convention allows delegates to consider important substantive issues that have failed to advance in the legislative process.
  
  
• Changes to our state and local governments are best addressed by delegates elected solely to review the Constitution.
  
  
• A constitutional convention would provide the first comprehensive review review of the Illinois Constitution since its adoption in 1970.
  
  
• Any proposed changes to the Constitution must be ratified by the voters before they become effective.

NO VOTE: Summary of Arguments Against Holding a Constitutional Convention

• A constitutional convention could cost as much as $78 million.
  
  
• The current Illinois Constitution could be changed without a constitutional convention, and in fact has been changed 10 times since the last convention.
  
  
• A constitutional convention could be controlled by special interest groups and lobbyists, and there is no way to limit the issues discussed.
  
  
• A convention could threaten the economy by creating an unstable business climate.
  

More Information About the Pros and Cons of the Call for an Illinois State Constitutional Convention

Here are two sites that, in my opinion, make the strongest arguments for and against the Illinois Call for a Constitutional Convention.

• PRO: From Rich Miller, who is an Illinois journalist and writes at Capitol Fax. Here is his article supporting the call for a Constitutional Convention.
  
  
• CON: The League of Women Voters, a non-partisan group, is opposing the call. You can learn more about their opposition at their website here.