Protect Initiative Petition Ballot Language!

I urge you to oppose SB 22 (Brattin), HB 414 (Murphy), HB 684 (Simmons), and HB 402 (Davis), which seek to prohibit courts from rewriting summary statements or ballot language for legislatively referred constitutional amendments, even when a court has found that language to be deceptive or misleading. These bills undermine the integrity of Missouri’s ballot measure process, increase politicization, and violate the separation of powers. They also risk creating unnecessary delays and barriers to citizen-led initiatives, effectively silencing the voices of Missourians. Under these bills, if a court determines that the summary statement or ballot language approved by the General Assembly is legally flawed, the General Assembly—or, if not in session, the Secretary of State—must rewrite the language. This process politicizes what should be a neutral and fair system. It allows political actors to draft biased or confusing language, knowing that courts can no longer intervene to ensure clarity and fairness. This undermines the public’s trust in the ballot measure process and risks misleading voters. Worse still, these bills could be amended to include citizen-led initiatives, giving the General Assembly and the Secretary of State near veto power over grassroots efforts. By allowing political actors to indefinitely draft flawed or deceptive language, these bills could block citizen initiatives from moving forward, delaying or even preventing signature gathering and certification. This is a direct attack on the constitutional right of Missourians to propose and enact changes through direct democracy. It shifts power away from the people and into the hands of politicians, who could use this authority to stifle initiatives they oppose. Additionally, these bills violate the separation of powers by stripping courts of their ability to correct illegal or misleading language. Courts play a critical role in ensuring that ballot language complies with Missouri law and is fair to voters. By removing this oversight, these bills create a system where political actors can manipulate the process without accountability. In a state that prides itself on democratic participation, these bills are a step backward. They increase delays, politicize the ballot measure process, and undermine the rights of Missourians to propose and vote on meaningful changes. I urge you to oppose SB 22, HB 414, HB 684, and HB 402 and protect the integrity of Missouri’s democracy.