Missouri Association of Realtors

Missouri's early voting period for the August 4 primary election saw a surge in voter turnout, with counties like St. Charles and Boone reporting significantly higher numbers compared to previous years. The increase is attributed to voter familiarity with early voting and the presence of two constitutional amendments (Amendment 4 and 5) alongside a competitive Republican primary for county executive in St. Charles.

Amendment 4, a proposed Missouri constitutional amendment, requires citizen-led amendments to win majorities in each of the state's eight congressional districts in addition to a statewide majority. Supporters argue it empowers rural Missouri by countering urban influence, while opponents claim it would silence rural and urban voters by making it harder to pass initiatives through petitions. Recent initiatives like Medicaid expansion and recreational marijuana legalization passed statewide despite rural opposition.

Missouri voters approved a 2016 constitutional amendment banning new sales taxes on most services, but under proposed Amendment 4, it would have failed due to not securing a majority in each of Missouri's eight congressional districts. The 2016 measure passed statewide with 57% support but lost in the 1st Congressional District, meaning Amendment 4 would have blocked it and similar citizen-led initiatives.

The Missouri Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal over the ballot summary for Amendment 5, which would allow lawmakers to increase sales tax to replace income tax. The decision upholds revised summary language from an appeals court, finalizing the version voters will see on the August 4 ballot. Proponents, including Governor Mike Kehoe, support the measure, while opponents argue it would impose higher taxes on everyday goods and services.

The Missouri Association of Realtors donated $1.9 million to oppose Amendment 5, a proposed tax plan that would allow lawmakers to eliminate Missouri’s income tax through expanded sales taxes. Opponents argue the amendment could undermine constitutional protections against real estate transfer taxes and new sales taxes on services, while supporters claim it aims to create a stronger economy by replacing income tax.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe placed four constitutional amendments on the August primary ballot, including measures to expand sales taxes to replace income taxes and raise the threshold for citizen-led amendments. The August timing aims to give lawmakers time to prepare for tax reforms but faces criticism as a 'power grab' from opponents.