Missouri Judge Weighs Ballot Amendment Backed by 350,000 Signatures as Sept. 8 Deadline Nears
Updated
Updated · stlpr.org · Aug 19
Missouri Judge Weighs Ballot Amendment Backed by 350,000 Signatures as Sept. 8 Deadline Nears
3 articles · Updated · stlpr.org · Aug 19
Summary
Judge Daniel Green said he will rule by Wednesday on whether a proposed Missouri constitutional amendment can appear on the November ballot.
The measure would block lawmakers from changing voter-approved initiatives unless 80% of both chambers agree, after which any change would still go back to voters.
Secretary of State Denny Hoskins kept the proposal off the ballot, arguing it violates the constitution’s single-subject rule and improperly shields itself and other amendments from future revision.
Respect Missouri Voters sued after submitting more than 350,000 signatures in May, saying the amendment is a single subject and that Hoskins lacked authority to revoke a ballot summary he had already approved.
Any ruling is expected to be appealed through Missouri’s higher courts, with the case needing resolution by Sept. 8 for a court-ordered addition to reach the November ballot.