Connecticut
Voters Reject Convention, Preserve Marriage Equality

A ballot measure to hold Connecticut's first constitutional convention since 1965 was defeated by voters on Tuesday by a 2-to-1 margin. The proposed convention was intended to address concerns over the general assembly's handling of gay rights issues, eminent domain, and state spending, according to the Hartford Courant.

"This election came down to basics: Most people do not want to use the state constitution to take away people's rights," Peggy Shorey, campaign manager for Vote No, told the Courant.

Opponents of same-sex marriage had expressed hope that a convention could lead to a ballot initiative to ban the practice, which the Connecticut supreme court ruled legal last month

This particular ballot question, which can be posed to Connecticut voters every 20 years, asks simply, "Shall there be a Constitutional Convention to amend or revise the Constitution of the State?"

The Connecticut Catholic Conference -- same-sex marriage foes -- pushed for the convention, paying for a television commercial that urged a yes vote on Election Day.

If voters had answered yes, delegates would be appointed by the state general assembly and given the chance to propose any changes to the Connecticut constitution, which provides the framework for all branches of state government. Any proposed changes would then go to a statewide vote, according to the [Bridgeport] Connecticut Post.

About 40% of voters said yes the convention, but it needed a simple majority to pass. (Kandice Day, The Advocate)