WHO WE ARE
The Constitution Coalition of Idaho is a grassroots group of concerned citizens and organizations committed to opposing and defeating legislative efforts to promote a dangerous and risky Article V Constitutional Convention – or ConCon. We are also working against big-monied, out-of-state special interest groups that are pushing Idaho legislators to call for a constitutional convention.
An Article V Convention, also known as a constitutional convention or a convention of states, refers to a process outlined in Article V of the U.S. Constitution that allows for discussing and proposing amendments to our constitution. This process involves organizing a gathering of delegates from all 50 states to debate and propose amendments – if a convention is called for by at least two-thirds of state legislatures.
While the thought of holding a convention may be viewed as a viable method for solving some big issues facing our nation, we believe it exposes our Constitution to profound and significant risk that could ultimately threaten the integrity of our nation’s foundational document and to the freedoms, rights and liberties that define Idaho values and way of life.
We believe the power to fix big problems – unchecked federal spending and reigning in federal authority over states – already exists. In fact, our nation has approved constitutional amendments on multiple occasions in the past. We also believe Congress has the authority to establish balanced budget rules and serve as a check on federal overreach.
Our fight to protect Idaho has been playing out for several years. We know the pro-convention interests are poised to push their self-interest driven agenda again in 2026. Please join our coalition and this critical fight to protect Idaho sovereignty from the dangers and uncertainty of a constitutional convention.
THERE ARE CONCERNS AND POTENTIAL
DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH IT:
UNPREDICTABLE OUTCOME
A constitutional convention could spiral far beyond its intended scope and deliver unintended consequences. Once delegates convene, there is no known or proven mechanism to limit the number of constitutional issues that could be raised for consideration, putting our country’s foundational rights and protections in jeopardy.
LACK OF PRECEDENT
Our country has not held a constitutional convention since 1787 when the founders were finalizing the Constitution and many of the rights we now enjoy. With no modern precedent to serve as a guide, the rules, procedures and ultimate consequences of a convention remain uncertain. This leaves a small-population state like Idaho vulnerable to decisions made by outside interests.
LEGAL AND PROCEDURAL AMBIGUITIES
The Constitution provides no clear roadmap for operating a convention. Questions remain about who selects delegates, how voting would work, and how procedures would be enforced – creating an environment ripe for chaos and manipulation. Even mock conventions have led to chaos and discord.
POLITICAL POLARIZATION
Today’s deeply divided climate heightens the risk that special interests or out-of-state political extremists could hijack a convention. Delegates from the bigger, coastal states with radical viewpoints will make consensus on any issue impossible or heighten the chances for introducing harmful changes to the Constitution.
THREAT TO EXISTING RIGHTS
Constitutional rights that we all enjoy could be weakened or stripped away. For example, a convention could propose amendments that alter the balance of power between states and the federal government, erode individual freedoms or impose restrictions on the Second Amendment.
SPECIAL INTEREST INFLUENCE
Powerful lobbying groups, wealthy donors and dark money interests with ulterior motives would likely dominate the convention process. Their influence could steer debate and outcomes toward narrow agendas, leaving ordinary Idahoans without a voice in these policy decisions.
NOT A HOMEGROWN IDEA
The funding and interest in supporting a constitutional convention is not coming from Idahoans. It’s being driven by well-funded, out-of-state political movements and national groups that are using Idaho as an accomplice to advance their own agendas. Idaho’s sovereignty should not be sacrificed to outsiders.
THREAT TO IDAHO SOVEREIGNTY
Joining a convention could weaken Idaho’s independence. Once delegates convene, our state’s voice could be drowned out by more highly populated coastal states or political coalitions, forcing Idahoans to accept outcomes that don’t reflect our values.
RISK TO A SACRED DOCUMENT
The U.S. Constitution is the bedrock foundation of our freedoms. A convention risks exposing every aspect of it to unpredictable changes – undoing more than two centuries of stability, rights, and protections. Tampering with the integrity of this sacred document could have irreversible consequences.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONGRESS
Our country is poised to celebrate its 250th anniversary. From 1776 to 2026, the Constitution has evolved and adapted to changes using an equitable and proven amendment system that granted women the right to vote, lowered the legal voting age to 18 and limited the president to serving two terms. Congress has the authority to pass amendments, which then puts the onus on each state to determine whether to ratify. The beauty of this system is it enables change while protecting the Constitution from radical and wholesale change.