This year, Illinois voters will choose whether to hold a constitutional convention. This opportunity comes along every 20 years, as was decided in the 1970 Illinois Constitution. The last constitutional convention was held from 1969 to 1970.

For the measure to pass, three-fifths of those who vote on it, or a majority of all Illinois voters, must vote “yes.” The convention would consist of elected delegates who would gather and decide what, if anything, to change in the 1970 Illinois Constitution.

In a separate election, Illinois voters would then get the final say by voting on the changes. If the changes are approved, a new Illinois Constitution would be enacted.

The last time Illinois voters voted on whether to hold a constitutional convention was 1988, when 75 percent of voters voted “no.”

Special interest groups and politicians on both sides of the debate have been making their voices heard on the matter for some time now, though no “consensus” has been reached. Rival politicians have lined up together on the same side, whether they be proponents or opponents of the measure.

One of the arguments that has been made in favor of such a convention is that it could lead to an overhaul of Springfield’s current group of legislators, with whom many of these proponents are unhappy with.

An argument against is that no one knows who will control such a convention and which lobbyists or interest groups might have their ears.