The Forum

On Tuesday, Nov 3, Missouri voters face one of their most crowded ballots in recent years. Here's what to know — and where to get reliable information.

Five Constitutional Measures 

Amendment 3: Endorsed by Governor Mike Kehoe, this amendment would repeal the reproductive-freedom provision previously approved by Missouri voters. Voting “yes” for the repeal would effectively ban abortion across the state, except in cases of medical emergency, rape or incest within twelve weeks, or fetal anomaly. If the repeal is approved, it would remove the right to an abortion in Missouri.  

Voting “yes” on the measure would also entrench statutory bans on gender-transition procedures for minors, creating additional legal barriers across an already hostile landscape in Missouri for transgender youth.  

A “no” vote would keep current provisions in place, as was intended in 2024 when the majority 51.7% of Missouri voters enshrined the right to reproductive freedom into the state constitution.  

Amendment 6, the "Respect Missouri Voters" initiative, would require clear ballot summaries and mandate that lawmakers secure 80 percent of the General Assembly before altering voter-approved laws. The plan would make it much more difficult for lawmakers to overturn Missouri voter approved ballot initiatives.  

A "yes" vote strengthens protections for the initiative process; reinforcing the very popular legal structure which has allowed Missouri citizens for more than 100 years to directly propose and enact laws and constitutional amendments.  

A "no" vote leaves current rules unchanged, allowing legislators the continued option to directly contradict the will of their constituents and undo voter approved legislation.  

Amendment 7 would create the Show-Me Prosperity Fund; a permanent endowment invested in S&P 500 funds intended to eventually replace all state taxes. Replacing Missouri's roughly $13 billion in annual revenue would require $260 billion in capital — a goal some analysts estimate could take over a century.  

A "yes" vote establishes the endowment fund; setting the stage for the elimination of state income taxes.  

A "no" vote maintains the current tax system.  

Amendment 8 would amend the state constitution to ensure election of county sheriffs for a four-year term in most counties. Specific exemptions would apply for the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County and St. Charles County. The amendment would limit removal proceedings to be solely initiated by the State Attorney General.  

The measure aims to establish sheriffs as the chief law enforcement officer in their respective counties, and limit removal or recall procedures led by local legislative bodies. However, sheriffs would still be subject to federal criminal convictions or impeachment.  

A "yes" vote adds the removal restriction and election requirement to the Missouri state constitution.  

A "no" vote maintains current systems in each respective county for governance of the sheriff.  

Proposition A asks voters to ratify a 2025 congressional map targeting Democratic Representative Emanuel Cleaver for removal and gives Republicans an additional U.S. House seat. The Missouri Supreme Court ruled unanimously on September 3 that Missouri voters must vote according to the 2022 map.  

A "yes" vote activates the redrawn 2025 map lines, establishing new districts to be recognized in all future elections.  

A "no" vote maintains the 2022 map, which will apply for the upcoming Nov 3 elections, in accordance with the Missouri Supreme Court and U.S. Supreme Court decisions.  

State and Local Races 

One statewide contest, MO State Auditor, will include Republican incumbent Scott Fitzpatrick, who flipped the office to Republican control in 2023. Fitzpatrick will face Democratic primary winner Quentin Wilson and Libertarian candidate and accountant Dustin Coffell, who is also chair of the Missouri Libertarian Party. The auditor reviews and examines state agencies, school districts, and local governments while investigating fraud and waste. 

In the 1st Congressional District, which encompasses St. Louis and St. Louis County, Democratic Incumbent Wesley Bell challenges Republican candidate Paul Berry III and Libertarian candidate Tom Schmitz. 

Voting Basics 

Missouri polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday, November 3; voters in line at 7 p.m. must be allowed to cast a ballot. The state requires a valid photo ID — a Missouri driver's or non-driver's license, U.S. passport, military or veteran's ID, or another government-issued photo ID that is not expired. Voters without acceptable ID may cast a provisional ballot, which counts if they return with valid ID or if election officials can verify their signature. 

In-person absentee voting runs from October 20 through November 2. Voters may cast their ballot in person at their local election authority's office or designated satellite locations with valid photo ID. 

Missouri offers no-excuse absentee voting. Voters may request a mail-in ballot by mail, email, or fax — requests must be received by the local election authority by 5 p.m. on October 21. Completed ballots must be received by an election authority by 7 p.m. on Election Day. The U.S. Postal Service recommends mailing ballots at least seven days before Election Day. 

Voter registration deadline for Nov 3 election is Wednesday, October 7 for online, mail (postmarked), and in-person registration. Missouri does not offer same-day registration. Verify registration status and polling location through the Missouri Secretary of State's lookup tool at sos.mo.gov. (also see what a YES or NO vote means for each certified 2026 measure on the ballot) 

Local elections matter most to your daily life. From school funding, property taxes, and workers’ wages to public safety and potholes, voting matters.   

Where to Get Reliable Election Information and Support 

Missouri Voters First (missourivotersfirst.org): free, nonpartisan voter education programs and election integrity information. 

League of Women Voters of Missouri (lwvmo.org): candidate information, voting guides, and civics education through local chapters. 

Missouri Coalition for the Environment (moenvironment.org): voter education campaigns including its annual "Green B  ook" guide. 

Planned Parenthood Votes Missouri (ppvotemo.org): candidate ratings and issue guides on reproductive rights. 

Missouri Chamber of Commerce (mocomb.com): candidate questionnaires on business and economic issues. 

Election Protection (866-OUR-VOTE): nonpartisan hotline for voters encountering problems at the polls, including responsive and roving poll monitors offering real time support and on-the-ground legal guidance at polling places. 

The Ballot Brief (theballotbrief.com/state/missouri): enter zip code to preview your ballot with candidate bios, priorities, and campaign finance info for St. Louis City and St. Louis County races.