On Aug. 4, Missouri voters will have an important opportunity to protect something fundamental: the future of our Constitution and the voice of rural Missouri.
That is why I encourage voters across our state to support Amendment 4.
At its core, Amendment 4 is about making sure Missouri’s Constitution reflects the will of Missourians — not the priorities of wealthy special interests headquartered hundreds or even thousands of miles away. Our Constitution should not be treated as a political playground for national advocacy groups, billionaire donors or organizations seeking to use Missouri as the next battleground for their agenda.
Over the past several years, out-of-state organizations have poured millions of dollars into initiative petition campaigns across the country. These groups often identify states where they believe they can buy enough advertising, hire enough paid petition circulators and spend enough money to place their preferred policies directly into state constitutions. Missouri has increasingly become a target.
Rural Missourians know what it feels like when decisions are made somewhere else by people who do not understand our communities, our values or our way of life. Whether you farm, own a small business or simply want to leave a better Missouri for your children and grandchildren, you deserve a voice in decisions that permanently alter our state’s founding document.
Too often, initiative petition campaigns focus their efforts on a handful of densely populated areas while spending millions of dollars on television advertising designed to sway voters who may never see the consequences of the policies being proposed. Meanwhile, the people who will live with those consequences every day — from farmers and ranchers to rural families and landowners — are left out of the conversation.
Amendment 4 helps restore balance. It requires constitutional amendments to demonstrate support across Missouri rather than relying solely on large population centers. It prohibits foreign money from influencing ballot measure campaigns and strengthens penalties for petition fraud. These are commonsense safeguards that help ensure Missouri’s Constitution belongs to the people of Missouri.
This is not about taking away the initiative petition process. Missourians will still be able to propose constitutional amendments and take issues directly to the voters. The difference is that changes to our Constitution will need support from Missourians across the state, not just from well-funded campaigns backed by outside interests.
Missouri’s Constitution should not be rewritten by people who fly into our state for a campaign season and leave once Election Day is over. It should be shaped by people who live here, work here, raise families here, attend local churches, support local businesses and have a stake in Missouri’s future.
That is why I encourage every Missourian to vote on Aug. 4 and support Amendment 4.
This election may not receive the attention of a presidential race, but its impact could be felt for generations. Missouri’s Constitution belongs to Missourians. Let us keep it that way.
Before Election Day, I encourage you to ask yourself, “What are my plans to vote?” No-excuse absentee voting begins July 21, and Election Day is Aug. 4. Talk with your family, neighbors and friends about the importance of this election, and make sure your voice is heard.
Vote yes on Amendment 4 on Aug. 4.
