RespectMoVoters.org Hosts Presentation on Protecting Citizen-Led Initiatives
Cape Girardeau residents gathered for an informative presentation by Tony Easter, a volunteer with RespectMoVoters.org, to discuss the ongoing challenges faced by citizen-led initiatives in Missouri. Easter highlighted concerns over repeated attempts by state lawmakers to overturn voter-approved measures, undermining the will of the people.
“We are tired of Missouri politicians overturning the will of the people,” Easter stated. “We saw this happen with the 2010 Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act and again with the 2018 Clean Missouri Anti-Corruption Act. Now, we’re watching them work hard to undermine Amendment 3 on reproductive rights and Proposition A, which guarantees minimum wage increases and sick leave—both of which were approved by a majority of Missouri voters.”
Easter emphasized the long-standing role of citizen initiatives in Missouri’s governance. Over the past 115 years, Missouri’s constitution has been amended by citizen-led initiatives only 31 times, while the state legislature has made 134 amendments. However, concerns are growing over legislative efforts to manipulate ballot language, a tactic known as “ballot candy,” which confuses voters by inserting unrelated or misleading provisions into ballot measures.
RespectMoVoters.org is leading a movement to introduce a new constitutional amendment aimed at protecting citizen-led initiatives and eliminating deceptive ballot language. To shape this effort, the organization is hosting town halls across Missouri through March, where attendees can participate in an online survey to help craft the amendment’s language.
Beginning this summer, RespectMoVoters.org will launch a statewide petition drive to collect signatures in support of the initiative, with the goal of placing it on the November 2026 ballot. Volunteers are encouraged to get involved in various ways, from gathering signatures to spreading awareness. Those interested can visit RespectMoVoters.org to sign up, learn more, or find upcoming town hall events in their area.
