Rhode Island Voters Face Historic Constitution Vote
Rhode Island voters head to the polls next Tuesday to decide on a new state constitution, a product of over three years of Constitutional Convention work. The document, seen as modernizing and more accountable, faces sharp partisan scrutiny from supporters and critics alike.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Rhode Island
Thomas W Dorr
League of Women Voters of RI
Committee Against
John H Chafee
Dennis J Roberts
Phoenix Times
Bristol
Roberts
Constitutional reforms Pro and Con summary
A condensed constitution proposes scrapping property voting tests locally and shortening residency. It allows a possible national residency repeal, removes legislator pay, and guarantees judicial tenure. It creates reapportionment every decade, requires qualified voters for officials, and gives the Governor budget powers and staff appointment rights, with an extended veto window. It outlines revision methods, convention triggers every ten years, and a prep commission, but warns of partisan bias, potential longer sessions, and pay-driven professionalism. It narrows amendment procedures, permits lotteries with public consent, and curbs home rule by centralizing power. It omits unicameralism and item veto, leaves courts to the legislature, and does not place governor on the ballot with other executives.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
General Assembly
Chafee
Roberts
Massachusetts
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Chafee Be
Senate
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Nrxt
Guv Chafee
John H. Chafee
Dennis J. Roberts
State Supreme Court