Missouri voters reject Republican-led amendments

• Other amendment questions included the Jackson County assessor and a state tax renewal.

Amendment 4: More than 80% of voters rejected a rule that would have required a majority from every congressional district to approve new citizen-initiated amendments.

• Voters in 2024 directly enacted mandated paid sick leave, minimum wage increases and abortion rights through citizen initiatives, prompting backlash from Republican lawmakers.
• Amendment 4 was introduced by Missouri Sen. Ed Lewis (R-Moberly) and would have given more power to red districts.
• Missouri Democrats called the outcome "a clear rejection of the radical Republican agenda."

Amendment 5: Roughly 83% of voters chose to keep state income tax, which ranges from 2% to 4.7% and funds the majority of Missouri's general fund.

• Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe, who said in July the amendment had support from the White House, said last night on social media he remains committed to "cutting taxes, growing our state's economy, and pursuing conservative policies" that help people keep their earnings.

Amendment 2: More than three-fourths of voters chose to make the previously appointed Jackson County assessor an elected position, aligning the county with the rest of the state.

• Jackson County has been grappling with the fallout of significant property tax hikes on residents and businesses for years, including legal challenges and the recall of former County Executive Frank White last year.
• The assessor will have a four-year term and a three-term limit, starting in 2028.

Amendment 1: Voters renewed a 10-year, 0.1% sales tax that keeps state parks free and funds soil and water conservation programs.

What we're watching: How Republicans regroup ahead of the general midterm election in November.