Stop the Ban

Missouri voters handed historic defeats to two of Gov. Mike Kehoe's priorities: Amendment 5, which sought to eliminate the individual income tax, and Amendment 4, concerning how majorities are counted on constitutional amendments. Additionally, efforts regarding Amendment 3, which would make abortion illegal in Missouri in almost all instances, are facing intense fundraising competition. These defeats occur as Kehoe’s approval rating has narrowed during his first two years in office.

A conservative watchdog group in Missouri filed a complaint against the ACLU Foundation and Stop the Ban, alleging they violated the state's foreign-influence ballot-measure law by receiving and funneling Swiss-based funds. The ACLU Foundation received a $2 million grant from the Oak Foundation, later donating $500,000 to Stop the Ban, which opposes an abortion ban referendum.

A conservative watchdog group filed a complaint against the ACLU Foundation and Stop the Ban in Missouri, alleging violations of a 2025 foreign-influence ballot-measure law. The ACLU received a $2 million grant from the Swiss-based Oak Foundation, later donating $500,000 to Stop the Ban, which opposes a state abortion ban. Missouri’s law, part of GOP-led efforts to block foreign funds in politics, was inspired by reports of Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss’s money influencing Democratic-aligned groups.

Missouri voters may face up to nine ballot measures in 2026, including proposals on abortion, taxes, state parks, and redistricting. Seven measures are already confirmed, with two pending decisions. Amendment 3, which would repeal 2024 abortion rights and ban gender-affirming care for minors, faces a campaign with significant financial backing.