Background: Every twenty years the citizens of Illinois are asked if they want to hold a state constitutional convention and revisit issues addressed back in 1970 when our current constitution became law. The question of a constitutional convention has been controversial because it reopens debate on a series of issues that were “settled” in 1970, such as Illinois’ flat income tax and the ability of our governor to have the amendatory veto power. It would also allow for discussion of new proposals such as instituting a “recall” provision for our governor, or removing the reliance of property taxes for education funding in Illinois. In 1988 a similar question was on the general election ballot and failed. The referendum that will appear on the November 2008 general election ballot must receive 3/5 of the vote on the question or a majority of the votes cast in the election. If the referendum is successful, the General Assembly must pass legislation providing for the election of 118 delegates. The convention would begin 3 months after the election of the delegates. The final product from convention would have to be approved by the electorate.

Proponents argue we need a constitutional convention because many top issues fail to get the kind of public scrutiny they deserve and rarely get a vote in the Illinois Legislature. They argue that citizen input is key to ensuring adequate public debate on meaningful reform issues. Difficult issues that may not be politically palatable often do not get full debate in either chamber of the Illinois General Assembly, argues the proponents, and a full blown constitutional convention will allow such discussion.

Opponents argue the same politicians in charge of state government today would be the same delegates in charge of the constitutional convention. Opponents believe the current legislative stalemate on key state issues would simply continue in a constitutional convention process. Opponents also believe the current constitution reflects hard-fought battles on liberties and policies and if any changes are made it should be through the current legislative process of adopting constitutional amendments which ultimately go before the citizens for a vote.