The Missouri League of Women Voters is asking members and the public to contact Governor Kehoe to tell him you oppose a bill on his desk that would make it difficult for courts to re-write summary statements for statewide ballot measures. This would apply to both citizen initiative petitions and constitutional amendments initiated by the legislature.

If this bill, SS#@ SCS SB 22, is signed, it would take effect in August. It would mean that citizens could not challenge misleading ballot language in the courts. Unfortunately, Missouri’s history contains several instances of courts determining that it was necessary to rewrite summary statements that did not accurately reflect the content of the amendment. The bill also contains several other provisions that would give politicians more discretion in writing ballot language and make it difficult for judges to rewrite deceptive descriptions.

The League's opposition is based on our position supporting adequate and factual notice of proposed public actions.

You may want to read a summary of the bill before calling the Governor’s office at  573-751-3222.  Speedy action is suggested.