KOMU 8: Coalition Aims to ‘Protect’ Missouri Ballot Initiative Process

JEFFERSON CITY — A campaign launching across the state aims to draft a constitutional amendment that would protect the ballot initiative process.

Respect Voters Coalition said the campaign comes as a result of deceptive language and an attempt to pass bills that would disrupt the ballot initiative process, which is how citizens can propose statutes or constitutional amendments. 

The coalition is fielding input from Missouri residents in a series of town halls to draft the amendment.

"So together we all have a say in crafting an amendment that will protect citizen initiatives for all time," said Benjamin Singer, Show Me Integrity CEO. 

This initiative will attempt to accomplish three main goals:

"Protect the citizen initiative process, protect what citizens pass from legislative interference ... and ensure that ballot language is clear and unbiased," Singer said. 

Participation in the town halls to draft the amendment is open to all Missouri residents, regardless of political affiliation. There will be an opportunity to speak at every town hall, Singer said.

"This is not going to be a closed-door decision or initiative," Singer said. "This is going to be something that is driven 100% by the people of Missouri." 

Eric Bronner, founder of Veterans for all Voters, said the effort comes in light of what he said is a trend throughout the country. 

"Whatever party is in power, in any given state, they will oppose reforms to the system that got them elected, and they will do whatever they can to dilute the power of voters," Bronner said. 

A news conference Monday for Respect Voters Coalition saw many attendees holding signs and supporting the coalition, including resident Diane Light. 

"I think that it is extremely important that everybody's voice is heard in our constitutional republic," Light said. "It has been happening in our own state where the will of the people has been overturned by our legislators."

The first town hall takes place Wednesday evening in Rolla, and the campaign will come to mid-Missouri on Feb. 10 with a town hall in Columbia. 

Following the conclusion of the town halls over the next two months, the coalition will file the amendment as a citizen initiative. Respect Voters Coalition aims for the amendment to be on the ballot for the midterm elections in November 2026.  

You can read the article and watch the TV segment on KOMU 8’s website here.