Posted at: 09/17/2012 6:13 PM
Updated at: 09/17/2012 6:37 PM
By: Brittany Lewis
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Email to a FriendMN Secretary of State Talks Constitution at Winona State
(ABC 6 NEWS) -- September 17th, 1787, our country's founding fathers signed the constitution. But there's also a constitution for each state. With Minnesota voters asked to change Minnesota's, Secretary of State Mark Ritchie shared a word of caution with Winona State Students.
"The changes come in the form of amendments," said Ritchie.
225 years ago, the United States constitution was signed. It set up the way our country was formed and how it is governed.
"It's the highest law and it should guide our guidelines, we shouldn't just throw it around like it's a piece of paper, it is the highest law," added Ritchie.
Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie says on this day--Minnesotans should know about our state version. That's because it could see some changes this November with two proposed amendments. That's marriage and Voter ID issues. Since 1980, 17 amendments have been made to the Minnesota Constitution, but the Secretary of State says changing the document isn't something voters should take lightly.
"Changing the constitution is a big deal and making sure that people know exactly what is proposed we've made that very difficult, but Minnesotans are very smart so if we can get the information out people can find out what is proposed and know that it's forever until it can be changed says to people, this is for a long time."
And he stressed the importance of voters really understanding what they are voting for.
"I'm a strong proponent of really knowing the constitution and our history and of being really careful, really careful in making those changes," he added.
But he says those changes are up to the voters.
If you have any questions about where to vote or if you want to take a closer look at those amendments, visit the secretary of state's website.
