Ashcroft issues certificates for ballot initiatives

By NewsPress Now

Missouri voters will decide on abortion rights, sports wagering and more in November after the secretary of state issued initiative petition certificates Tuesday.

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft issued certificates for ballot measures regarding minimum wage and paid sick time, reproductive health care and sports wagering. This means that voters will give their stamp of approval or reject these ballot measures come the Nov. 5 election.

Amendment 2

Sports wagering is getting another shot. If Missourians vote “yes” on this amendment, they are approving an amendment to the state Constitution that would allow the Missouri Gaming Commission to regulate legal sports betting in the state. This would only be allowed for individuals physically in the state and over 21. This measure includes a proposed 10% tax on revenue to go toward educational institutions in Missouri.

Voting “no” would be a vote to not amend the constitution and thus, not support licensed, regulated sports betting.

Amendment 3

Missourians will have a say in abortion rights in the state. A “yes” vote would support removal of Missouri’s ban on abortion. It would require the government not to discriminate against those providing or obtaining abortions and reproductive health care. It would also allow abortion to be restricted after fetal viability except to protect the life or health of the woman.

A “no” vote would continue the ban on abortion in Missouri.

Amendment 6

A “yes” vote would support a constitutional amendment to levy costs and fees to help salaries and benefits for current and former sheriffs, prosecuting attorneys and circuit attorneys to have access to the courts.

Voting “no” would not allow for the levying of costs and fees related to those listed officials.

Amendment 7

Approving this amendment would specify that only U.S. citizens are able to vote, and that voters can only have one vote for an individual candidate or issue. It would also prohibit the ranking of candidates.

A “no” vote would not support an amendment change for voting rules in primary and general elections.

Proposition A

Minimum wage could be changing in 2025. If voters choose “yes” on Proposition A, they approve the minimum wage increase to $13.75 per hour starting Jan. 1, 2025, which would then increase $1.25 per. hour each year until it reaches $15. Approval of this proposition would also support the requirement that employers with 15 or more employees must provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Government entities, political subdivisions, school districts and education institutions would be exempt from the minimum wage increase. 

Voting “no” would not amend Missouri minimum wage law.