The League of Women Voters of Illinois will use the consensus process to take a position on whether
a Constitutional Convention should be called. A study committee, with Kathy Nesburg and Sharon
Alter as committee co-chairs, will prepare questions and materials.
Local Leagues will hold consensus meetings in late February or early March, 2008. There will be a session on this
question at the Legislative Briefing on February 23, 2008. In the meantime, Leaguers should read the Illinois
Constitution. It can be found at www.ilga.gov.
The Handbook of Illinois Government, which is published by the Illinois Secretary of State's office contains the text
and can be obtained at the offices of state senators or representatives.
Constitution of the State of Illinois
ARTICLE XIV
CONSTITUTIONAL REVISION
SECTION 1. CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION
(a) Whenever three-fifths of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly so direct, the question of
whether a Constitutional Convention should be called shall be submitted to the electors at the general election next
occurring at least six months after such legislative direction.
(b) If the question of whether a Convention should be called is not submitted during any twenty-year period, the
Secretary of State shall submit such question at the general election in the twentieth year following the last
submission.
(c) The vote on whether to call a Convention shall be on a separate
ballot. A Convention shall be called if approved by three-fifths
of those voting on the question or a majority of those voting
in the election.
(d) The General Assembly, at the session following approval by
the electors, by law shall provide for the Convention and for
the election of two delegates from each Legislative District;
designate the time and place of the Convention's first meeting
which shall be within three months after the election of delegates;
fix and provide for the pay of delegates and officers; and provide
for expenses necessarily incurred by the Convention.
(e) To be eligible to be a delegate a person must meet the same
eligibility requirements as a member of the General Assembly.
Vacancies shall be filled as provided by law.
(f) The Convention shall prepare such revision of or amendments to the Constitution as it deems necessary. Any
proposed revision or amendments approved by a majority of the delegates elected shall be submitted to the electors
in such manner as the Convention determines, at an election designated or called by the Convention occurring not
less than two nor more than six months after the Convention's adjournment. Any revision or amendments proposed by
the Convention shall be published with explanations, as the Convention provides, at least one month preceding the
election.
(g) The vote on the proposed revision or amendments shall be
on a separate ballot. Any proposed revision or amendments
shall become effective, as the Convention provides, if approved
by a majority of those voting on the question.
