Illinois voters have another issue to consider on Nov. 4 – the Illinois Constitution Convention.

Many citizens have recently received pamphlets in the mail explaining the Illinois Constitution Convention and what it will mean for state residents. The convention will either keep the state constitution or make any necessary amendments. If amendments were proposed, citizens would vote in a separate election to pass the amendments into legislation.

A vote done by citizens every 20 years determines if the convention will be held. The last convention was held in 1970 and lasted nine months, but a convention was not approved by voters for a 1990 convention. In order to be held, the convention needs a three-fifths majority vote.

The convention cites several reasons for the convention including allowing delegates to consider issues that did not pass in the legislature and providing the first review of the Illinois Constitution since 1970.

“I think it might be time to revisit it,” said Curtis Wood, assistant professor in political science. “There are some major issues that need to be resolved. The recall provision, term limits and equal opportunity education among rich and poor districts are a few of them.”

However, a constitutional convention could cost as much as $78 million, and the current constitution could be altered without a convention.

Plus, special interest groups could influence the convention.

The current economy and state budget also have an affect on the voter’s decision, because the convention would cost $78 million.

“The $78 million price tag comes from the compensation that would be paid to delegates as well as the infrastructure and staffing necessary to hold and administer the convention,” said Mike Peddle, associate professor in political science. “That is a large expenditure ... especially with no known probability of any positive outcome from such a convention.”

Peddle also said he has confidence in the current process for amending the Illinois Constitution.

Legislators can make amendments and citizens can as well through a referendum (a petition).

“I support amendments, but I don’t support the manner in which they would be passed [through the convention],” said Rep. Robert Pritchard. “My fear is the same people who cause a gridlock in Springfield would be selecting delegates [for the convention].”

Choose wisely voters. Either save some major money for the state budget and possibly live with laws from the 1970s, or put the state into further debt and make a few tweaks to the constitution.

Just don’t complain when one of your state-funded activities gets cut due to the state budget.

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