Reed About Politics: Changing the NYS Constitution?

In case you have not tired of endless political drama, Tuesday, November 7th, is yet another election day! This particular election, however, is very special for New York State. Aside from electing county legislators, judges, and other local government officials, New Yorkers will have to vote on whether or not to have a Constitutional Convention. This opportunity occurs only once every twenty years; the next one will be in 2037.

The possibility of a convention seems to have divided New Yorkers. It offers them the chance to amend their outdated constitution, a document that has not been altered since 1937.

On the pro-convention side, New York has an increasingly liberal population. Amending its constitution could bring about some progressive changes, such as rights to affordable higher education and healthcare, as well as term limits for lawmakers. The New York state legislature is controlled by Republicans, and a convention would give allow the Democrats to circumvent them in the lawmaking process.

Those opposed to a convention include labor unions, the majority of New York politicians, and conservatives. Labor unions (such as the Homer Teachers’ Association, a branch of the American Federation of Teachers) fear that amending the constitution would remove protections for labor rights, particularly retirement pensions. New York politicians, not wanting to lose support from the unions, are inclined to oppose a convention. Finally, conservatives do not want any liberal alterations included in the constitution.

In summary, November 7th could be a turning point in New York State history. Regardless of the outcome, it will have a tremendous impact for the future of our state, and even national, political life.