As we head into the New Year, our goal is clear: grow from 1,200 to 2,000 active signature gatherers with ink on paper. The fastest way to get there is through Micro-Collectors—friends, family members, and supporters who are willing to collect just 10–20 signatures from their immediate circle: a book club, a gym, a neighborhood, a holiday gathering.
One year ago, the Respect Missouri Voters movement began. What started as a shared commitment to protecting the voice of the people has grown into a powerful, statewide force focused on strengthening the citizen initiative process to ensure a government of, by, and for the people. As we mark this one-year milestone, we are taking a moment to reflect on everything we have navigated together.
Earlier this week, People Not Politicians submitted more than 305,000 signatures to force a statewide vote on Missouri's new congressional map. Whether or not you agree with their petition, we can all take away one thing: If they can do it, we can too!
If there was a word to describe the past 12 months in Missouri and Illinois politics and government, deluge would probably top the list.
That’s because 2025 brought about an almost unending string of major news events. It included leadership transitions in Missouri and the St. Louis area and immense conflict within the Missouri General Assembly.
Respect or protect Missouri voters? Is there a difference?
If you ask lawmakers and petitioners throughout the state, that answer is a resounding “yes.”
Two diametrically opposed amendments to the Missouri Constitution regarding the initiative petition process could be hitting the ballot next year.
In that case, voters will have to decide which side they’re on: respecting or protecting.
Organizers of an initiative petition seeking to get a constitutional amendment on the 2026 ballot to ban Missouri lawmakers from what they say is overturning the will of the people report that they are a third of the way there.
The petition will be available to sign at Central Bank in Eldon from 5-7-pm this Wednesday. The group has until the spring to reach its goal of 300,000 signatures.
