Modifies the amount of signatures needed for an initiative petition to appear on the ballot
Impact
If adopted, this amendment could considerably alter the landscape of direct democracy in Missouri. By lowering the signature thresholds, SJR85 is designed to encourage more active participation from voters in the legislative process. The intent is to enhance the power of citizens to influence laws and constitutional amendments through direct initiative, which may lead to an increase in the number of proposals appearing on the ballot during elections. This change could result in legislation that more closely reflects the will of the people, as more initiatives could be successfully placed before voters.
Summary
SJR85 proposes a significant amendment to the Missouri Constitution, specifically targeting the signature requirements for initiative petitions that aim to propose amendments to the constitution or legislation. The resolution seeks to modify the current thresholds, reducing the percentage of legal voter signatures needed for various types of initiative petitions. For constitutional amendments, the required signatures would decrease from eight percent to five and four-fifths percent, and for legislative proposals, from five percent to three and three-fifths percent. This change aims to streamline the process, making it easier for citizens to initiate ballot measures.
Contention
However, the amendment has faced various points of contention among legislators and the public. Critics argue that the existing thresholds are already manageable and that lowering them could lead to a flood of poorly considered measures on the ballot. Concerns have been raised about the potential for confusion among voters and the risk that more complex issues may be oversimplified in advocacy campaigns. Supporters, on the other hand, contend that the change promotes democratic engagement and reduces bureaucratic obstacles that hinder citizen participation in governance.