To the editor:

Rhode Island’s Question 1, which proposes holding a constitutional convention, would risk undermining our fundamental rights. The last time a convention was held amendments were passed restricting abortion access, limiting the right to bail, and disenfranchising individuals with criminal records.

Misinformation affected the 1986 outcome, as voters were not fully informed about certain amendments' contents. The ballot included an amendment that restricted abortion rights, but the description of the amendment omitted any reference to the anti-abortion clause itself.

Additionally, due to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that there can't be limits on how much money corporations spend on ballot referenda, there is concern that out-of-state special interest groups could significantly influence the convention's outcome. Such influence may lead to changes that would erode protections for reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, workers’ rights, and immigrant rights.

Rhode Island doesn't need a constitutional convention to make changes. We can address important issues like separation of powers and voting rights through ballot questions proposed by the General Assembly, as has been done in the past. A convention would allow wealthy, out-of-state groups to interfere and influence the outcome of any proposed constitutional changes.

That’s why I’m urging folks to vote “No” on Question #1.

Uriah Donnelly
Warren