The Referendum for a People’s Convention in November 2017 is an Opportunity for all Citizens to discuss Major Issues and work together on Solutions that can Restore pride in our Government and make New York once again a Policy Leader for the Nation.
Many States allow Citizens to put Issues on the Ballot under Initiative and Referendum (I&R), Initiative: People have the Right to Propose a New Law. Referendum: a Law passed by the Legislature can be Reference to the People for a Approval/Veto Vote.
In New York, we do it every 20 Years, under a Constitutional Convention (Con-Con), that the Voters must Approve with a Yes Vote on Proposal 1, when they vote in the General Election on November 7th, 2017.
New York Proposal 1, the Constitutional Convention Question, is on the Ballot as an Automatic Ballot Referral.
A "Yes" vote supports holding a Constitutional Convention to develop and propose changes to the state constitution that voters would vote on at the election on November 5, 2019.
A "No" vote opposes holding a constitutional convention to develop and propose changes to the state constitution that voters would vote on at the election on November 5, 2019.
A Constitutional Convention is a Meeting of Elected Delegates who propose Amendments to or Rewrites the State Constitution. Proposals developed at a Convention are put on a Ballot for Voter Consideration. New Yorkers voted on 12 Constitutional Convention questions during the 239 years between 1777 and 2016. In 2017, which is 240 years after the First Constitution was Ratified, Citizens of the State are Voting on the question for the 13th time. Of the 12 questions asked before 2017, Seven resulted in Constitutional Conventions being held and four led to New State Constitutions. Prior to 1900, Four of Five Questions were Approved. Between 1900 and 1999, Three of Seven Questions were Approved, representing a lower rate of Approval compared to the previous Century. As of August 11th, 2017, Polling indicated that a Plurality of New Yorkers are interested in Approving a Constitutional Convention Question in 2017.
As of August 11th, 2017, Supporters of Holding a State Constitutional Convention organized Three Political Action Committees:
— The New York People's Convention - Bill Samuels, a Democratic Fundraiser, was the Top Contributor to Supporters, donating $162,497.
- The Committee for a Constitutional Convention
- Restrict & Regulate in NY State 2019
The Committees had Raised a combined total of $389,474, as of the latest Disclosure Reports from July 2017.
Groups that Endorsed Proposal 1 include:
- The NY State Bar Association
- The NY City Bar Association
- The League of Women Voters of NY State
- Citizens Union
Opponents of Holding a Convention organized as:
- New Yorkers Against Corruption - The Campaign had raised $635,300, with Unions and Labor Organizations making the Five largest Contributions
Organizations Opposed to Proposal 1 include:
- The NY State AFL-CIO,
- Planned Parenthood Empire State Acts
- Right to Life
- NY State Rifle and Pistol Association
The Ballot Question is the First Step in the process of calling a Constitutional Convention in New York.
If a Majority of Voters cast their Ballots in favor of holding a Convention on November 7th, 2017, Voters would Elect 204 Convention Delegates on November 6th, 2018. Fifteen of the Delegates would be Elected Statewide.
Three would be Elected from each of the State's 63 Senate Districts, totaling 189.
The Constitutional Convention would Convene on April 2nd, 2019, in Albany.
Delegates would be allowed to Draft a New Constitution or Amendments to the Existing Constitution.
Referring a Constitution or Amendment to the Ballot would require a simple Majority Vote of the Delegates.
Citizens would Vote on the Convention-Proposed Changes to the Constitution on November 5th, 2019.
An Approved Constitution or Approved Amendments would take effect on January 1st, 2020.
The New York People's Convention will work on creating a List of Amendments we would like to see discussed during the Convention and begin interviewing for Delegate Candidates.
CLICK HERE for more information about the New York People's Convention.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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