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, instead of 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, none of these initiatives would have passed under the proposed amendment.

Republican state Rep. Ed Lewis, who sponsored the measure, said he wants to ensure people in all parts of the state have their voices heard. He argued 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.

Criticism and Support

Critics argue that the proposed amendment could undercut consensus, as an initiative backed by large margins in seven congressional districts would still fail if opposed by a slim margin in just one district. On the other hand, supporters believe that requiring a broader consensus would lead to more thoughtful and considered decisions.

The Respect Missouri Voters coalition has submitted a petition to place a constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would reverse the Legislature’s amendment and require only a statewide majority to pass citizen initiatives.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.