Missouri voters heading to the polls this November might want to pack a snack – there’s a lot to consider on this year’s ballot.
With five constitutional amendments and one proposition up for consideration, voters will weigh in on everything from sports betting to abortion rights, from casino development to minimum wage. These measures could reshape significant aspects of life in Missouri, affecting everything from workers’ paychecks to reproductive healthcare access. Let’s break down what’s at stake.
Proposition A: Minimum Wage & Paid Sick Leave
In a state where nearly a third of workers could see their paychecks grow, Prop A addresses two fundamental workplace issues: wages and sick time. The measure would boost the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2026 and guarantee paid sick leave for private sector workers. While labor advocates say it’s about basic dignity and living wages, business groups warn of potential job cuts and reduced hours.
Key Points:
-Increases minimum wage to $13.75/hour in 2025, then $15/hour in 2026
-Mandates 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked
-Does not apply to government entities, schools, or political subdivisions
-Annual wage adjustments based on Consumer Price Index starting 2027
Pros:
-Benefits nearly 900,000 Missouri workers
-Provides guaranteed paid sick leave for private sector employees
-Helps workers avoid choosing between health and income
-Could reduce employee turnover
-Supported by over 450 small businesses
Cons:
-Potential job cuts or reduced hours at small businesses
-May accelerate automation/self-service technology adoption
-Could increase operational costs for businesses
-Might lead to price increases for consumers
-Business groups warn of workforce sustainability issues
If Passes:
-Minimum wage rises to $13.75 in 2025, $15 in 2026
-Workers get 5-7 paid sick days annually
-Larger businesses (15+ employees) must provide up to 7 sick days
-Smaller businesses must provide up to 5 sick days
-Annual cost-of-living adjustments begin 2027
If Fails:
-Current $12.30 minimum wage remains with annual adjustments
-No guaranteed paid sick leave requirement
-Businesses maintain current wage/benefit structure
-Existing labor market conditions continue
Amendment 2: Sports Betting
Missouri might join the growing list of states embracing legal sports gambling. This measure would bring betting out of the shadows and into regulated spaces, including online platforms. While proponents eye the potential windfall for education, others worry about the social costs of expanded gambling access.
Key Points:
– Legalizes sports betting for ages 21+ in Missouri
– 10% tax on gambling revenue
– Regulated by Missouri Gaming Commission
Pros:
– Generate revenue for education ($28.9M annually estimated)
– Create new jobs
– Keep gambling revenue in-state rather than neighboring states
Cons:
– Increased risk of gambling addiction
– Initial costs to state ($660,000 one-time, $5.2M annually to reduce problem gambling)
– Could disproportionately affect lower-income residents
If Passes:
– Sports betting becomes legal for 21+
– Online and physical betting locations allowed
– Revenue goes to education after expenses
If Fails:
– Sports betting remains illegal in Missouri
Amendment 3: Abortion Rights
In what could be a watershed moment for Missouri, this amendment represents the first major challenge to the state’s near-total abortion ban since Roe v. Wade was overturned. The measure would fundamentally alter the landscape of reproductive healthcare in the state.
Key Points:
– Would overturn Missouri’s near-total abortion ban
– Establishes constitutional right to abortion until fetal viability
– Protects reproductive healthcare decisions from government interference
Pros:
– Restores reproductive healthcare access
– Protects contraceptive access
– Includes health/life exceptions after viability
Cons:
– Opponents cite potential loss of state tax revenue
– Opposition from pro-life groups
If Passes:
– Abortion becomes legal until fetal viability
– Constitutional protection for reproductive healthcare
– Bans discrimination in reproductive healthcare programs
If Fails:
– Current abortion ban remains in place
Amendment 5: Lake of the Ozarks Casino
What was once a weekend getaway spot could become Missouri’s newest gambling destination. This amendment would authorize a casino complex at Lake of the Ozarks, promising jobs and tourism dollars while raising questions about gambling expansion in the state.
Key Points:
– Authorizes casino on Osage River at Lake of the Ozarks
– Includes hotel, convention center, restaurants
– Revenue dedicated to early childhood literacy
Pros:
– Creates 700+ new jobs
– Generates $14.3M annual gaming tax revenue
– Boosts local tourism/economy
Cons:
– One-time cost of $763,000 to state
– Annual costs of $2.2M
– Potential increase in gambling addiction
If Passes:
– New casino complex built at Lake of Ozarks
– Additional gaming license issued
– Revenue funds literacy programs
If Fails:
– No new casino authorized
– Current 13-casino limit remains
Amendment 6: Court Fees
This seemingly technical change to court fees could have far-reaching implications for law enforcement pensions and the justice system. The measure aims to address a funding crisis in sheriff retirement accounts while raising concerns about access to justice.
Key Points:
– Allows court fees to fund sheriff/prosecutor benefits
– Previously, court fees served this purpose, but a 2021 MO Supreme Court ruling overturned it
– Would cap fees at $3 for sheriffs and $4 for prosecutors
Pros:
– Funds law enforcement retirement
– Prevents pension fund insolvency
– User fee model for court system
Cons:
– May burden low-income defendants
– Could incentivize more tickets/charges
– Unreliable funding source for pensions
If Passes:
– Court fees fund law enforcement benefits
– Reverses Supreme Court ruling
– Stabilizes pension funds
If Fails:
– Sheriff retirement fund risks insolvency
– Alternative funding needed
– Current fee ban remains
Amendment 7: Voting Restrictions
At a time when voting rights and methods are under national scrutiny, this amendment would set another ban on voting in Missouri. The “ballot candy” on this amendment, which is being pushed as a way to get this amendment passed, is a measure that doesn’t accomplish much – if anything.
This two-part amendment is being promoted as a way to keep non-citizens from voting in Missouri. However, this first part of the amendment is already covered by state law. It is already illegal for non-citizens to vote in Missouri. This measure just makes existing law part of the state constitution.
The second part of the measure would make it illegal for legislative bodies to implement a ranked-voting process. Ranked-choice voting is growing in popularity across the country, but individuals and groups that oppose it typically dislike it because it helps lead to less partisan and more moderate representation. Just like drop boxes and absentee voting, banning ranked-choice voting is another form of voter suppression.
For more on ranked-choice voting, read our story “Understanding Ranked-Choice Voting at https://bit.ly/48jpBvA
The important thing to note is that if you vote “YES” for this amendment, you’re casting a “NO” vote for ranked-choice voting even being considered as a voting option in Missouri and “YES” that non-citizens can’t vote in Missouri, something that’s already covered by state law.
Key Points:
– Bans ranked-choice voting (except St. Louis)
– Specifies “only” U.S. citizens can vote
– Affects election rules
Pros:
– Maintains traditional voting system
– Prevents potential voter confusion
– Clarifies citizenship requirements
Cons:
– Limits voting method options
– Redundant citizenship language
– Restricts local voting flexibility
If Passes:
– Ranked-choice voting prohibited
– Constitutional language changes
– Current voting system preserved
If Fails:
– Ranked-choice remains possible
– No change to current laws
– Local flexibility maintained
