Missouri Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Amendment 6 Ballot Measure

The Missouri Supreme Court heard arguments on Wednesday regarding whether Amendment 6, a proposed ballot measure, should be allowed for a public vote. Proposed by the political action committee Respect MO Voters, the initiative would restrict state lawmakers from altering or repealing voter-approved laws and constitutional amendments unless they secure an 80% majority in the General Assembly and ratification by a statewide vote.

Secretary of State Denny Hoskins previously issued a certificate of insufficiency for the petition, arguing the measure violates the state constitution's single-subject rule. A Cole County Circuit Judge upheld that decision. Respect MO Voters challenged this action, with attorney Chuck Hatfield arguing that the Secretary of State's authority is statutory and limited to counting signatures rather than declaring constitutional flaws.

The court is also considering whether Hoskins can revise the original 2025 ballot language, which the Office of the Missouri Attorney General characterized as deceptive. Following the hearings in Jefferson City, advocacy groups People Not Politicians and Respect Missouri Voters held rallies to protest political interference in voter initiatives and redistricting. The court has not yet issued a final decision on the amendment.