Connecticut

This November voters in Connecticut will be asked whether they wish to implement a constitutional convention (ConCon). The Connecticut constitution requires that this question be placed on the ballot every twenty years. The last time voters considered a ConCon question was in 1986, when they rejected a ConCon by a vote of 65% no to 35% yes. If voters choose to proceed with a ConCon in 2008, it will be up to the state legislature to determine the number of delegates, how they are selected, and what issues will be addressed at the ConCon.

The proposed Connecticut ConCon has garnered significant attention. A new group, the Constitution Convention Committee, has formed to advocate for a yes vote. This committee is advocating for an affirmative vote so that Connecticut can join the other 24 states with initiative and referenda processes. Another vocal supporter is the Family Institute of Connecticut, which would like to see ConCon delegates tackle the question of same-sex marriage. The state Supreme Court is poised to rule on the legality of same-sex marriage, and opponents of the issue view a ConCon as one of the only ways to ensure their preference is reflected in state law.

Opponents of ConCon have formed Vote No: Protect our Constitution, a committee of organized labor, choice and LBGT organizations and other good-government groups. This committee aims to educate the public that a ConCon could lead to laws that have been pushed by heavily financed out-of-state interests, and are not reflective of Connecticut's priorities.

Connecticut is a non-initiative state; both measures on the statewide ballot are legislative referenda.

2 Constitutional Amendments Were Referred

Constitutional Amendment 1: Constitutional Convention
Constitutional Convention: Shall there be a Constitutional Convention to amend or revise the
Constitution of the State?
Proponents: Constitution Convention Campaign, http://www.ctconcon.com/
Opponents: Vote No: Protect Our Constitution, http://www.ctvoteno.org/
FAILED 41% - 59%

Constitutional Amendment 2: Election Reform
Shall the constitution of the state be amended to permit any person who will have attained the age of eighteen years on or before the day of a regular election to vote in the primary for such regular election?
PASSED 64% - 36%

For additional information please check with the Connecticut Secretary of State: http://www.ct.gov/sots/site/default.asp