Constitutional convention a no-go

Illinois won't be holding a convention to re-examine the state constitution.

With 67 percent of precincts reporting Tuesday, more than 67 percent of voters voted "no" on the issue, while about 32 percent voted "yes," according to preliminary vote counts.

The ballot question asked voters whether Illinois should call a constitutional convention.

The statewide question is required every 20 years, and voters rejected the same question by a 3-1 ratio in 1988.

Proponents say a constitutional convention would liberate Illinois from gridlocked state politics and open the door for debate on issues such as term limits, districting rules, taxes, education funding and the death penalty. Opponents argue a convention would be too costly - with estimates as high as $78 million - and result in unnecessary changes pushed by interest groups.

Last month, a judge ruled that wording on the ballot explaining the referendum was false and biased. He ordered poll workers to hand out notices clarifying the wording. The Illinois constitution last was rewritten in 1970.

• Daily Herald Staff Writer Amy Boerema contributed to this report.