Respect MO Voters – Citizens Initiative Protection
367,000 Signatures from across all 115 Missouri Counties!
Many of you are aware of the danger the MO State Legislature has put to our rights as citizens to petition our state government for change. It is vital that we understand the implications of this situation, as it directly affects our ability to voice our concerns and advocate for the changes we wish to see in our communities. Many of you took action to support Respect MO Voters, a movement aimed at ensuring that our voices are heard and respected in the legislative process.
If you signed this petition, know that it will be on an upcoming ballot, representing a critical opportunity for all citizens to reaffirm their commitment to democracy and active participation in governmental affairs. The Secretary of State will be reviewing the signatures that have been collected, and it will be their responsibility to determine whether this initiative is placed on the August ballot or the November ballot.
This decision is significant, as it will affect the timing and visibility of the initiative, potentially influencing voter turnout and engagement. It is essential that we remain vigilant and proactive during this process, ensuring that our rights as citizens are safeguarded and that our collective voice is not silenced. We must encourage our fellow citizens to stay informed, engage in discussions, and prepare to make their voices heard during the upcoming elections. Every signature, every conversation, and every vote counts towards shaping the future we desire for our state.
What This Amendment Does:
- Protects Your Vote: Prevents the legislature from overturning or gutting laws we pass at the ballot box unless they get an 80% supermajority AND voter approval.
- Ends Deceptive Language: Ensures ballot summaries are “clear, unbiased, fair, and easy to understand”—no more “trick” questions.
- Guards Our Freedom: Declares the right to petition a fundamental right and stops politicians from making it harder for citizens to get on the ballot.
If you are new to the cause and want to find out what else you can do, visit Respect MO Voters.org. This website serves as a valuable resource not just for information, but also for actionable steps you can take to contribute to the cause. We will need to work hard to educate the voters on this effort, which is vital for preserving our democratic processes. Most people agree that they want to retain the Citizens Initiative Process in MO as needing a simple majority statewide; however, the legislature is attempting to shift the requirements dramatically. This proposed change would move us from a straightforward statewide majority to a more complex system in which it would require both a statewide majority and a majority vote in at least five of the eight Missouri Congressional districts. Such a shift could complicate the process and undermine the voice of the people, making it crucial that we mobilize our efforts to inform and rally support among voters across the state.