Ballot Issue

With an early September cutoff for changes to the Missouri ballot, the chief justice asked for "sufficient time for expedited appellate review" of the complex issues. Because if the referendum is approved, it would also throw the results of the Aug. 4 primary into question.

Despite the backing of Gov. Mike Kehoe, proposed constitutional amendments that would have made it more difficult for citizens to change the constitution and start the process of eliminating the state income tax were overwhelmingly rejected by Missouri voters.

While Republicans are considering how they want to approach tax cuts as well as making it harder to amend the constitution, Democrats plan to use the Republican lawmakers' support of 4 and 5 against them.

The Respect Missouri Voters campaign submitted more than 330,000 signatures for an amendment that would limit lawmakers from repealing or changing laws approved through the initiative process. Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected the petition Tuesday while also replacing the ballot title he already certified.

Political scientists in Kansas and Missouri say Tuesday’s primary elections — particularly the constitutional amendments on the ballot — will gauge public opinion about whose voices should be heard in government and how much trust citizens have in their elected officials.

63% of Missouri's general revenue comes from individual income taxes. Critics of Amendment 5 wonder how the legislature will fill the gap. States without income tax have raised revenue by adding taxes on everything from tourism to tobacco.

Amendment 5 has garnered attention and advertising dollars aimed at swaying undecided Missouri voters. KC Media Collective partner The Beacon analyzed ads about the proposal to examine the claims and iron out what the constitutional amendment would actually do.

If voters approve the constitutional amendment, Kansas will move to a system of electing justices. If not, the state will continue with its current, merit-based appointment system. Critics say the amendment is an attempted power grab by Republican lawmakers.

In the Aug. 4 election, Kansas Citians will decide whether to extend a sales tax aimed at re-developing neighborhoods east of Troost, and vote on $1.7 billion in bonds for water and sewers. What's at stake in the votes?

If approved by Missouri voters on Aug. 4, 2026, Amendment 4 would raise the threshold to change the state constitution through the citizen-led initiative petition process. However, amendments sent to the ballot by the Missouri General Assembly would only require a simple majority to pass.

Kansas City voters will see Question 4 (water) and Question 5 (sewer) on their Aug. 4 ballot. Here's what to know about the ballot language, the history behind the bonds, what they will fund and where the money comes from.

Several states, including Missouri, have ballot measures this year that could raise the thresholds needed to pass state constitutional amendments. Many advocates are critical of such limits on direct democracy.