Since the current Pennsylvania Constitution was adopted in 1968, itâs been amended more than 40 times.
In this yearâs primary, set for May 18, voters have the opportunity to add an additional three amendments.
First, there is a proposed amendment that would prohibit the denial of an individualâs rights under Pennsylvania law because of their race or ethnicity. The proposal has proven to be largely uncontroversial and has stirred no organized opposition.
Two other proposed amendments, on the other hand, have stirred much more urgent debate. Both arising from the coronavirus pandemic, one would automatically end any disaster declarations after 21 days and prevent a governor from extending it, regardless of the severity of the emergency, unless the Legislature also agrees. The other, related amendment would give the Legislature the power to terminate or extend a disaster declaration without the governorâs approval.