Madmallard
.223 Rem
A recent poll shows that voters statewide show broad support for holding a constitutional convention, though they have yet to hear interest groups' loud calls for and against holding one. The question will be on the ballot this November.
A Siena College poll released last week shows that 62 percent of voters statewide support having a convention in 2019, at which elected delegates would propose and vote on constitutional amendments. Any proposed changes would require final signoff by voters.
Should they elect to hold a convention, voters will pick delegates in 2018.
Yet 67 percent of voters say they've heard nothing about the convention.
A constitutional convention enjoys broad support across party and regional lines. Sixty-seven percent of Democrats, 55 percent of Republicans and 59 percent of independents support holding one, as do 63 percent of upstate respondents. Even in union households — those likely to already have heard from some major state unions opposed to a convention — 60 percent say they support holding a convention.
The support hasn't wavered, but neither has the lack of information voters have about a convention.
Support for holding a convention was at 69 percent in May 2016. If fell off to 59 percent in April. In May 2016, 66 percent said they had heard nothing about a convention, while 61 percent were uninformed as of April of this year.
"As we head into the fall, you're going to see millions of dollars spent to educate voters from the special interest groups — supporters and opponents — that will have an effect on voters," Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg said.
To a degree, the spin machine already has been turned on. Consider for example the creation of an anti-convention website supported by the New York State United Teachers union.
"NY Political Insiders Are Planning a Party ... And You're Not Invited," the website states. "An exclusive bash for the politicians, insiders, and corporate special interests. A price tag running in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Your fundamental rights at risk. Are you ready to party?"
Voters continue to show support for N.Y. constitutional convention
A Siena College poll released last week shows that 62 percent of voters statewide support having a convention in 2019, at which elected delegates would propose and vote on constitutional amendments. Any proposed changes would require final signoff by voters.
Should they elect to hold a convention, voters will pick delegates in 2018.
Yet 67 percent of voters say they've heard nothing about the convention.
A constitutional convention enjoys broad support across party and regional lines. Sixty-seven percent of Democrats, 55 percent of Republicans and 59 percent of independents support holding one, as do 63 percent of upstate respondents. Even in union households — those likely to already have heard from some major state unions opposed to a convention — 60 percent say they support holding a convention.
The support hasn't wavered, but neither has the lack of information voters have about a convention.
Support for holding a convention was at 69 percent in May 2016. If fell off to 59 percent in April. In May 2016, 66 percent said they had heard nothing about a convention, while 61 percent were uninformed as of April of this year.
"As we head into the fall, you're going to see millions of dollars spent to educate voters from the special interest groups — supporters and opponents — that will have an effect on voters," Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg said.
To a degree, the spin machine already has been turned on. Consider for example the creation of an anti-convention website supported by the New York State United Teachers union.
"NY Political Insiders Are Planning a Party ... And You're Not Invited," the website states. "An exclusive bash for the politicians, insiders, and corporate special interests. A price tag running in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Your fundamental rights at risk. Are you ready to party?"
Voters continue to show support for N.Y. constitutional convention
