Missouri Constitutional Amendment 4
Simple majority required.Ballot wording: Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:Modify current requirements that a statewide majority of voters may approve initiative petitions to amend the constitution;Require a majority of voters in each congressional district to approve initiative petitions to amend the constitution; andMake available to each voter the full text of initiative petitions with their ballot?The Department of Corrections estimates increased annual costs of up to $21,817. The Office of State Public Defender estimates an unknown fiscal impact. Other state governmental entities estimate no costs or savings. Local governmental entities estimate no costs or savings.Summary: The measure would require state constitutional amendments proposed by initiative petition drives to win a simple majority of votes cast statewide and separate majorities in each of Missouri's eight congressional districts. Currently, only a statewide majority is required for passage - a standard that would continue for constitutional changes proposed by the Legislature. Proponents of Amendment 4 argue that citizen-initiated petitions for constitutional changes should have support from the entire state, including both urban and rural districts. Opponents say that the measure would allow just a small number of voters, in one congressional district, to defeat an amendment and make it almost impossible to achieve passage. The proposition also would put in the state constitution the existing state prohibition of political contributions and expenditures from foreign nationals, foreign governments and foreign political entities. The proposition also would put in the state constitution current state laws against petition signature fraud. Another provision would require the full text of initiative petition proposals to be provided to voters. State law already requires that the full text be posted at polling places.
