Explaining changes to the Missouri general election ballot, part 2

MISSOURI — KTVO expects four amendments and one proposal to be decided in Missouri in the Nov. 5 general election.

Constitutional Amendment 6

Amendment 6 includes levying fees to supplement law enforcement salaries.

This is different from the previous two amendments because it was referenced by the Missouri state legislature, passing the Senate as Joint Resolution 71 late last year and the House of Representatives this past May.

The amendment would insert into the Missouri Constitution a provision requiring fees and expenses to support the interests of sheriffs, prosecuting attorneys and other law enforcement personnel.

This will be accomplished by reintroducing the $3 court fee, which helps fund the state’s Sheriff’s Retirement System (SRS).

All county sheriffs are required to enroll in the system when they begin their careers. This fee was in effect for a long time until the Missouri Supreme Court found it unconstitutional in 2021. This measure would restore the fee.

One supporter of Amendment 6 is Republican State Sen. Rusty Black of Chillicothe, Mo. He sponsored the bill in the Senate.

“This will ensure that sheriffs play a pivotal role in the administration of justice,” says Black, “which will provide a solid retirement fund for sheriffs nearing the end of their careers.”

Those in opposition, including the libertarian think tank Reason FoundationHe says this financing could create a conflict of interest. They say governments are legally obligated to fund the retirement benefits they promise public workers.

Constitutional Amendment 7

Amendment 7 is the other change to be proposed by the Missouri Legislature.

This amendment focuses on voting rights. If passed, it would incorporate state law into the constitution by allowing only U.S. citizens 18 and over to vote.

It would also establish that each voter can only have one vote per issue or open seat, thus banning so-called “ranked voting” in which voters rank candidates by their preferences on the ballot.

Finally, Amendment 7 requires the candidate with the most votes in the primary to advance to the general election, and the candidate with the most votes in the general election to be the winner.

Supporters, including Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe and current gubernatorial candidate, say the change is vital to securing state elections.

“Legally naturalized immigrants have worked hard to earn their right to participate in our elections,” Kehoe says.

He goes on to say that the measure respects the efforts of those who understand the gift of being an American citizen.

Opposition to the bill says it is misleading and unnecessary. They argue that a provision barring non-Missouri citizens from voting is already in state law, and that its primary function is to undermine Missourians’ freedom to decide what kind of elections they want in their city or county.

Recommendation A

Proposition A, a citizen-initiated law, would support an increase in the state’s minimum wage.

Currently, the minimum wage in Missouri is $12.30 per hour, set by voters approving a proposal in 2018.

This current proposal would start the new minimum wage at $13.75 per hour and increase that amount by $1.25 each year until it reaches $15 per hour.

Additionally, one hour of paid sick leave will be provided for every 30 hours worked.

Businesses with fewer than 15 employees will be required to provide at least five paid sick days per year. If there are more than 15, this increases to seven sick days.

Supporters of the measure, including Democratic State Rep. Crystal Quade and gubernatorial candidate, say the reality is that too many parents are forced to work multiple minimum-wage, entry-level jobs to make ends meet because they can’t find good, high-paying government jobs.

“As a working parent, I understand what it means when my child gets sick and I have to call and wonder what that means for my job and my safety,” Quade says.

Opponents like Lieutenant Governor Kehoe worry that raising the minimum wage would also increase the prices of most basic goods and further harm the people the measure seeks to help.

Some small business owners also oppose this proposal and say it would make it harder for them to make a living.

These explanations are as simple as it gets, but it’s no better than taking the initiative and researching these changes yourself.

Take time to review the ballot language, learn about support and opposition, and consider how it will affect you.

A great resource you can use in your research ballot paper. This “Encyclopedia of American Politics” was used as the basis for these explanations.

You can also visit the Missouri Secretary of State’s website. HereFor information on other voting-related topics.

You can read Constitutional Amendments 2 and 3 Here.

If you learn the precautions, you will be able to make a more informed decision when you vote on November 5.