On election day, the League of Women Voters of DeKalb County urges our fellow citizens to vote “NO” on the question of whether to hold an Illinois Constitutional Convention.

In a statewide study, 96 percent of the participating League members opposed the call for three basic reasons:

On balance, the 1970 constitution works well. It’s been around less than 20 years, compared to the 100 years of its predecessor. While there are problems, the amendatory process is available to make changes.

We, as citizens, stand the risk of losing as much, or more, as we might gain in a revised constitution. Everything would be up for grabs. No limits may be put on the subjects to be considered, and a runaway convention is a real possibility. For example, taxes could be increased or decreased to inappropriate levels. Anti-discrimination clauses could be dropped. And the election of delegates would be a very political process.

At a time when the state’s financial resources are limited, the $31 million cost of a convention is not something we can afford. (Cost estimate from Secretary of State Jim Edgar.) The problems are not great enough to justify this expenditure when so many state programs are in need.

Most of those supporting the call for convention are from single issue groups. They are willing to risk the entire constitution for their cause, whether it be judicial reform or lower taxes. While the League is a strong supporter of some changes, including merit selection of judges, we do not believe that any one issue is so important that a constitutional convention is the appropriate means to address it.

Join us. Vote NO on November 8.

Louise Wilderman, President

League of Women Voters of DeKalb County