5 amendments & 1 proposition
Amendments change the Missouri Constitution. Remember that.
They don't add statute to our books. They change the state CONSTITUTION.
The constitution should be the foundation, the bedrock, the framework for our statutes to build on. It should be a document that stands the test of time, that applies to the entire state and that is protected - not changed with the flinging of a few million dollars to pay out-of-state workers standing in front of our grocery store doors collecting signatures.
And yet, that is what happens. The money buys the signatures and the signatures buy a spot on the ballot for voters to pass or fail.
No committee hearings.
No involvement of the people until election day.
No involvement of lawmakers that you elected to vet public policy.
No vetting whatsoever.
Just signatures gathered from young kids from places like New Jersey, making $30/hr & misleading every person they talk to about what is actually happening.
you need to know what you're voting on
Now that the signatures have been gathered - it's your responsibility to know what you're voting on. Your vote now is the same as any legislators vote at the Capitol and even more important - because your vote will change the very foundation of Missouri's statutory framework.
You can find the ballot language and the full text of each ballot measure on the Secretary of State's website. You'll also find it on my home page.
You're here - that's a good sign. Please keep reading and then share the information with every voter you know.
No action = consent. Remember that, too.
Amendment 2 - LEGALIZES SPORTS BETTING - VOTE NO
This one legalizes and allows the Missouri Gaming Commission to regulate sports betting.
- Online, gambling boats, sports gambling districts
- Must be 21 and physically located in Missouri
- 10% tax on winnings & additional fees assessed
- State legislature can regulate
AMENDMENT 3 - REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS - VOTE NO
UPDATE: As of the evening of 9/6/24, a Cole County judge has ruled that A3 is not suitable for the ballot and it should not have been certified. Opposition has until Tuesday, September 10th to appeal. Should the decision stand, A3 will NOT be on the ballot in November. I'll update the blog as events unfold.
This is the amendment most people are referring to as the abortion amendment. That reference is manipulative and misleading. This amendment pertains to ALL matters related to reproductive health freedom.
ALL matters pertaining to reproductive rights include anything pertaining to gender transition, regular Ob/Gyn care, IVF, cloning, etc etc.
PLEASE subscribe to the blog so you don't miss the next series because we are going to dive deep into this one. You can find more resources on my home page. Check it out and scroll down. You'll find links, downloads and the replay of a weekly webinar I'm hosting. If you'd like to participate next week, you can register there for free.
AMENDMENT 5 - GAMBLING AT LAKE OF THE OZARKS - VOTE NO
This amendment would legalize gambling boats at Lake of the Ozarks. That local community has clearly expressed their disapproval of this, but now it is on a statewide ballot for everyone to vote on.
This is highly inappropriate for the constitution. Even if you approve of a gambling boat at the lake - it does not belong in our CONSTITUTION.
AMENDMENT 6 - FUNDING SALARIES FOR SHERIFFS, PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS & CIRCUIT ATTORNEYS - VOTE NO
Again, this is very inappropriate language for our constitution. I agree we need to ensure funding for these positions but it is NOT appropriate material for the constitution. It belongs in state statute.
AMENDMENT 7 - VOTING - RESEARCH & PRAY
This amendment contains 3 issues that all pertain to voting.
1. ONLY U.S. citizens would be allowed to vote. This language is already in our state statutes but it is slightly different in the constitution and they need to align. Currently it says that "U.S. citizens and vote" but it doesn't say who cannot vote. This language is the same in other states where they are now seeing illegal immigrants voting in local elections. We want to protect Missouri fully from that possibility.
2. Bans rank choice voting (RCV). RCV is a long, arduous way of voting & counting votes. Stay tuned. If I can fit it in I'll record a podcast focusing on rank choice voting. Suffice it to say that it is BAD. It leaves an incredible amount of room for foul play in the process.
3. Would REQUIRE the plurality winner of the party primary to be the only candidate for that party in the general election. This is the way it is now, but passing this would mean that couldn't change. I don't love this point because I'd like to see us pass runoff elections under certain circumstances. This would prevent that from happening.
This amendment deserves its own blog & podcast. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss it!
PROPOSITION A - RAISES MINIMUM WAGE - VOTE NO
The proposition is not a change in our constitution, but in our statutes. That is where it belongs, but raising minimum wage is going to be harmful to our already broken economy.
Raising minimum wage will be extremely harmful to our small businesses. The government needs to stop intruding in wages and allow the market to be free. VOTE NO.
more to come
This is the first article in a series where we will dive deep into Amendment 3 and Amendment 7. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss them!
It's IMPERATIVE that we have educated voters showing up to the polls. Please take time before November 5th to do your due diligence and understand what you are voting on. Then, share that information and the resources with your family & friends!
