Missouri abortion amendment will appear on Nov. 5 ballot
By NewsPress Now
The Missouri Supreme Court decided Tuesday that Amendment 3, Missouri’s abortion rights amendment, will be on the Nov. 5 ballot.
Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft decertified the amendment Monday after certifying it and other initiatives Aug. 13. Ashcroft’s office said in a court brief that Amendment 3 was “deficient” after Cole County Circuit Judge Christopher Limbaugh found on Friday that it did not meet the legal requirements to be on the ballot. Ashcroft asked the state Supreme Court to follow Limbaugh’s ruling.
Limbaugh did not go as far as removing the initiative Friday but instead gave campaign organizers a chance to file a last-minute appeal ahead of the Tuesday deadline to make changes to the ballot.
The state Supreme Court, in a majority vote, reversed the circuit court decision Tuesday and ruled the amendment will be placed on the ballot and that Ashcroft will certify the measure.
Missouri Democratic governor candidate Crystal Quade praised the Supreme Court’s decision.
“I am grateful the Missouri Supreme Court saw through yet another attempt from the extremist anti-abortion politicians in Jefferson City to keep Missourians from having their say at the ballot box,” Quade said in a release.
The Missouri Republican Party, however, expressed disappointment after the announcement.
“The Missouri Supreme Court has made a devastating decision by allowing Amendment 3 to remain on the November ballot,” a release said. “This ruling marks the most dangerous threat to Missouri’s pro-life laws in our state’s history.”
With its place on the ballot, a “yes” vote from Missourians on Amendment 3 will support the removal of Missouri’s ban on abortion.
Voters will also decide on several other key initiatives, including minimum wage and sports betting.
