Missouri Voters to Decide on Amendment 6 Petition Rights
The November 3 ballot measure seeks to codify the initiative process and limit legislative interference in voter-enacted laws.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Should Missouri voters limit the legislature's power to change laws passed through the petition process?
Missouri voters will head to the polls on November 3 to decide the future of Amendment 6, a proposal that would establish the initiative and referendum petition process as a fundamental right. The measure also introduces strict new requirements for legislative changes to laws approved by voters.
Why it matters
Proponents view the amendment as a necessary tool to enforce checks and balances on state politicians, while opponents argue it threatens to diminish the legislative authority of the Missouri General Assembly.
Amendment 6 mandates an 80% supermajority in both chambers of the legislature to amend or repeal laws enacted via the initiative process. The measure also creates a legal mechanism allowing courts to revise ballot summaries through lawsuits.
The players
Denny Hoskins
The Missouri Secretary of State serves as the chief elections official for the state.
Mike Kehoe
The Governor of Missouri serves as the state's top executive and chief administrator.
Missouri General Assembly
The legislative body of Missouri is responsible for drafting and passing state laws.
Missouri Supreme Court
The highest judicial authority in the state oversees the constitutionality of legal actions and ballot initiatives.
The details
The measure was placed on the ballot by order of the Missouri Supreme Court after Secretary of State Denny Hoskins initially rejected it in August. It aims to protect citizen-enacted policies from being easily overturned or altered by state lawmakers in Jefferson City.
Timeline
August 2026: Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected the amendment.
October 2026: Governor Mike Kehoe publicly expressed his opposition to the proposal.
November 3, 2026: The statewide election on Amendment 6 will occur.
Political Context
Opponents, including Governor Mike Kehoe, argue that this measure erodes the foundational power of the Missouri General Assembly to govern effectively. Critics contend that restricting legislative oversight could create gridlock or protect policies that are later found to be impractical.
If passed, the measure would change how Missouri voters can influence state policy and how the legislature interacts with those outcomes. Residents will see new legal standards for ballot summaries and a more rigorous legislative process for altering laws they have already enacted.
The takeaway
Voters should be aware that this measure fundamentally alters the state's balance of power regarding citizen-led initiatives. Implementing these changes would set a higher bar for lawmakers to modify future voter-approved legislation.
Further reading
Find more information on upcoming state contests in the Missouri Elections section.
Live Poll
Should Missouri voters limit the legislature's power to change laws passed through the petition process?
