NYS Constitutional Convention Vote to be Discussed

By | October 27, 2017

New York's Broken Constitution FlyerExperts will discuss a ballot proposal being voted on in November on a New York State constitutional convention at a lecture scheduled for 6 p.m. Nov. 2 in Daemen College’s Duns Scotus Hall Room 236.

The History and Politics Event Series lecture, “The New York State Constitutional Convention Question: Ballot Choice 2017,” is free and open to the public. A question and answer session will follow the lecture.

Voters will weigh in Nov. 7 on a ballot measure that calls for the convening of a state constitutional convention that would propose amendments to the state constitution. The vote is mandated by the state constitution every 20 years, which was last voted on in 1997.

Featured speakers will be Dr. Peter J. Galie, emeritus professor of political science at Canisius College, and Christopher Bopst, chief legal and financial officer at Sam-Son Logistics. They will address the ballot choice facing voters in November, pros and cons of reviewing and revising the state constitution, the convention process, and issues to consider as voters cast their ballot.

The speakers are authors of “New York’s Broken Constitution,” which examines the gaps between the state’s constitution and how the state is governed, and offers ideas for reform.

“The constitutional convention question is a unique opportunity for voters to review the foundation of New York State’s governance,” said Dr. Lisa Parshall, associate professor of political science. “This lecture will provide an overview on the convention process and potential outcomes that will assist voters with making an informed decision on the ballot in November.”

Additional information on the lecture is available by contacting Dr. Parshall at lparshal@daemen.edu or call 839-8303.