This year's Illinois ballot includes a somewhat obscure referendum question that, every two decades, gives Illinois voters the opportunity to decide whether to hold a constitutional convention.  Since the summer, countless forums and discussions have been held on the pros and cons of rewriting the document.  Thanks to a controversy this fall over the ballot language, more voters are aware of the issue today.  Still, our polls in the 10th and 11th congressional districts showed that about a third of the respondents didn't know anything about the matter as of mid-October.

In a feature article back in May, we explored what remaking the state's constitution could mean for Illinois' future. A Con-Con could present the opportunity for some very progressive advancements -- like revising our regressive tax code or taking redistricting power out of legislators' hands. Conversely, many worry that that the same problems that pervade the statehouse would carry over into a convention.  Others warn that special interest groups might use the process to tamper with our bill of rights.

In recent weeks, the debate has moved onto the op-ed pages.  Below is a list of links to those arguments, grouped into pro and con sections. Decided for yourself which are the most convincing.  We've got to warn you, though, they don't exactly make for an easy voting guide.

Pro Con-Con:

"Here's a real chance to fix Springfield," Sun-Times columnist Mark Brown

"Illinois should vote for a new Constitution," Capitol Fax's Rich Miller

"Vote 'yes' on Con-Con," Chicago Tribune

"Our Opinion: Vote 'yes' on constitutional convention," State Journal-Register

"If you care about schools and property taxes," Cook County Assessor James Houlihan

"Recall rejected, but the people still have a tool to reform government," Democratic State Rep. Jack Franks

"Con-Con? Yes!," Lake County News-Sun

"Vote 'yes' for a constitutional convention," Journal Gazette/Times Courier

"In the simplest terms, we're too stupid for con-con," SouthtownStar columnist Kristen McQueary

"Time to change politics in Illinois,"  SouthtownStar columnist Phil Kadner

"ConCon can fix state pension fund," Democratic State Rep. John Fritchey

Con-Con opponents:

"Don't vote for a new constitutional convention," Chicago Sun-Times

"Illinois doesn't need a new constitution," Sun-Times columnist Carol Marin

"Change politicians, not the constitution," former Gov. Jim Edgar

"Illinois not ready for con con," former congressman, federal judge, and White House counsel Abner Mikva

"Vote 'no' on constitutional convention," Daily Herald

"There oughta be a law, but a new state Constitution?" former Chicago Alderman Dick Simpson

"Leaders need changing not our constitution," The Southern

"Dysfunctional state needs leadership, not a convention," Rockford Register-Star

"Politics, not constitution, state's problem," Dispatch-Argus