1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

SB22 is a blatant power grab by politicians aimed at undermining the fundamental right of Missouri citizens to participate in direct democracy. By allowing partisan officials to rewrite ballot summary language multiple times, even after courts rule it misleading, this bill opens the door for deception and subversion of the will of the people. Placing sole control over ballot language in the hands of the legislature or secretary of state politicizes the process and removes critical checks and balances. This legislation rigs the system in favor of those in power at the expense of voter autonomy. Missourians value fair and accurate ballot initiatives that truly reflect the intent behind proposed measures. SB22 betrays this principle by enabling politicians to collude on biased language designed to sway outcomes toward their preferred result on citizen-led and legislatively-referred initiatives. Missouri's initiative petition process has allowed voters to shape laws for over a century. Stripping away judicial oversight and centralized authority sets a dangerous precedent that undermines a cornerstone of our democracy. This brazen attempt to silence the voice of the people must be stopped.