Ballot Issue

Missouri became the first state to overturn a near-total abortion ban through a voter referendum in last week's election. Planned Parenthood Great Plains president Emily Wales says they're ready to resume abortion services by early December, although prolonged legal battles could push that date back.

Missouri voters will soon decide whether GOP lawmakers went too far by banning most abortion in the state. We'll go inside the high-stakes battle over Amendment 3. Plus: That and other ballot issues have been drawing millions of dollars in campaign funds from outside the state.

With Jackson County's senior services already straining for lack of funding, and the senior population expected to get even bigger, advocates are asking Jackson County voters to approve a property tax this November to help older adults age in place.

New polling from The Midwest Newsroom and Emerson College Polling Center highlights the views of voters in four states — including Missouri and Kansas — on political and social issues like abortion, control of police, and more.

Backers of Missouri Amendment 2, which would legalized sports gambling, claim in TV and online ads that the resulting revenue will boost public education. But its detractors point out there is no evidence Missouri schools will see any benefit.

During the Super Bowl, money changes hands based on the result of almost everything — the coin toss, the color of Gatorade dumped on the winning coach and even the length of the national anthem. Kansas' attempt to cash in on sports betting has yielded paltry results so far, and Missouri voters are considering a similar measure this November.

In November's election, Amendment 5 will ask Missouri voters if they want to allow a casino — plus a hotel, convention center and restaurants — on the Osage River near the Bagnell Dam at the Lake of the Ozarks. The plan is led by Bally’s, which operates a casino in Kansas City.

The state high court's ruling could be decisive in the effort to reverse Missouri's near total ban on abortion in November. It could also affect voter turnout on Election Day and ultimately reshape how constitutional amendments are presented to Missouri voters in future elections.

The campaign behind the reproductive-rights amendment plans to appeal the decision, and as part of the judge’s stipulations, Amendment 3 will not yet be taken off the ballot

While sports betting is allowed in Kansas, Missouri lawmakers have failed to agree on a way to legalize it. A constitutional amendment on Missouri's November ballot would open the door to online apps, casinos and gambling boats accepting sports bets.

The Jackson County Legislature narrowly voted against placing a stadium tax measure on the November ballot, another attempt to keep the Chiefs from leaving Kansas City. The quarter-cent sales tax would have lasted for 20 years, but left out the Royals.

The amendment violates the Missouri Constitution, the lawsuit argues, because it illegally includes more than one subject.