Missouri Gov. Seeks Strict Limits on Ballot Measures

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe has launched a special session calling for major changes to the state’s initiative petition process, a century-old system that has allowed voters to pass progressive measures such as abortion legalization, Medicaid expansion, and marijuana legalization. Kehoe’s proposal would require ballot measures to win not only a statewide majority but also majority support in each of Missouri’s eight congressional districts — a “concurrent majority” rule that experts say would make nearly all future citizen-led initiatives fail. This shift comes after progressive policies advanced through ballot measures even as the state continued electing conservative lawmakers, frustrating Republican leaders.

Supporters of the initiative process argue the plan represents a sweeping attack on direct democracy, effectively stripping voters of a key tool for shaping state policy. Critics note that only 40% of citizen-led petitions have historically passed, undermining claims that the system is too permissive. Meanwhile, Republicans defend the change as a way to ensure constitutional amendments reflect support from across the state rather than being driven by urban centers like Kansas City and St. Louis. Any change would require voter approval on a future ballot, likely in 2026, setting up a high-stakes battle over the balance of power between lawmakers and Missouri citizens.

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