Missouri voters are deciding on a proposal that would make it significantly harder for citizens to amend the state constitution. The proposed Amendment 4 would require citizen initiatives to pass in all eight of the state’s congressional districts, rather than by a simple statewide majority.

Background

Over the past several years, Missouri voters have amended the state constitution to create abortion rights, legalize marijuana and sports betting, and expand Medicaid healthcare coverage for low-income adults. However, under the proposed amendment, none of these initiatives would have passed.

Republican state Rep. Ed Lewis, who sponsored the measure, argues that it would ensure people in all parts of the state have their voices heard. He claims that activists funded by out-of-state interest groups have run up large majorities in St. Louis and Kansas City to pass controversial initiatives that failed throughout most of the rest of Missouri.

Concerns and Criticisms

Critics argue that the proposed amendment could undercut consensus and make it nearly impossible for citizens to participate meaningfully in direct democracy. They also point out that an initiative backed by large margins in seven congressional districts could still fail if opposed by a slim margin in just one district.

The Respect Missouri Voters coalition has submitted a petition to place a constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would protect the initiative process and reverse the Legislature’s amendment. The measure would require only a statewide majority to pass citizen initiatives and bar the Legislature from increasing the number of signatures needed to qualify for the ballot.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.