MCNS Election Review: Ballot Measures and Races to Keep an Eye On

Election season is once again upon us. 

Conservatives, led by Donald Trump, look to consolidate earlier victories and continue the country’s rightward shift. More progressive interests see in this midterm an opportunity to stymie this advance which has resulted in an unpopular war, greater economic inequality, a siege on immigrants, and virulent attacks on people of color in general, and Black people in particular. This has included anti-DEI policies, DOGE cuts resulting in massive job losses, and attempts to dilute Black political power.

While there are a few noteworthy local candidates on the local level, many races are predetermined given the hyperpartisan gerrymandering that has taken place in Missouri. Therefore, we offer recommendations for some of the less known, yet still critically important ballot measures and races St. Louisans will see when they enter the voting booth on Tuesday. 

St. Louis Proposition B

Proposition B is intended to earmark subsidies for early childhood education. If passed, it would change the St. Louis city charter to increase the local sales tax by a half-percent.

Supporters suggest it would bring much needed relief to a child care system that has grown increasingly expensive and out of reach for many St. Louis families. Money would reportedly be spent on tuition, educator compensation, and program quality.

Critics, however, express displeasure with the proposed Board that would oversee the program. The body would not be elected by voters, but rather appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the Board of Aldermen.  There have also been concerns that portions of the revenue derived from Proposition B could be used for law enforcement.

Given these concerns, the MCNS proposes No on Proposition B.

Missouri Proposition A 

Proposition A, simply put, is gerrymandering at its best. 

Secretary of State Denny Hoskins and Attorney General Catherine Hanaway sought to implement a new map to, among other things, unseat Kansas City area Black Congressman Emanuel Cleaver. The new map would divide his district and merge it with three others.

Furthermore, Missouri officials hoped to keep residents from voting on the matter. Hoskins successfully pressured local election officials to use the proposed map for the primary election this past August. This is in spite of the Missouri Supreme Court’s warning that the previous map would be in effect even if the referendum was certified for the current November ballot.

And this is exactly what happened. The Missouri Supreme Court ruled that the referendum could go before voters. This decision has also been maintained by the U.S. Supreme Court on three separate occasions. Therefore, the 2022 map, which included a safe Democratic seat for Congressman Cleaver, is in place for this November election.

Given these concerns, the MCNS proposes No on Proposition A.

Missouri Amendment 3

Missouri Amendment 3 restates an already existing law which ostensibly requires parental approval for gender transitioning.  But this is in fact a ruse because it also includes a ban on abortions, which are already allowed by an existing amendment in the Missouri constitution. This existing amendment, named the “Right to Reproductive Freedom,” was just ratified in 2024.

Given these concerns, the MCNS proposes No on Amendment 3

Missouri Amendment 6

Amendment 6 is intended to make it difficult for Missouri legislators to overturn voter-initiated laws and amendments. Opponents claim that the measure would tie the hands of Missouri lawmakers. However the amendment would require 80% of the Missouri legislature to overturn a measure that is initiated and passed by Missouri citizens. Currently, it only takes a simple majority to overturn such measures.

Amendment 6 comes in the wake of last year when Missouri lawmakers overturned a sick leave policy that was part of a larger measure to raise the state’s minimum wage.

Amendment 6 would prevent this. It would also hinder the General Assembly from adding excessive signature requirements or arbitrarily shortening deadlines to citizen-initiated measures. Amendment 6 also allows courts to revise misleading ballot summaries through lawsuit.

Given these concerns, the MCNS proposes Yes on Amendment 6.

Missouri Amendment 7

Amendment 7 would create a sovereign wealth fund called the “Show Me Prosperity Fund.” The “prosperity fund” would use money from the General Assembly or through donations to invest in the stock market.

The purported intention is for the fund to generate enough returns that could offset Missouri expenses, possibly eliminating stated imposed costs such as the income tax.

Missouri already faces a $2 billion budget shortfall, therefore if state dollars were diverted into this fund, this could result in devastating cuts to conservation, parks, education, roads, bridges and healthcare.

Detractors claim that voters would have little say in which companies would be targeted for investment. Thus, lawmakers could potentially divert funds to companies they have a financial interest in and divest from companies they oppose.

Given these concerns, the MCNS proposes No on Amendment 7.

Missouri Amendment 8

The wording of this proposed amendment suggests it would require counties to elect a sheriff every four years, which is currently required by statute. However, what is not made plain is that this amendment would also make the county sheriff the top law enforcement official in the county. This official would then supersede the county prosecutor or even the district attorney. 

The MCNS proposes No on Amendment 8.

Local Judge Races

Judge races also receive less coverage, but can have considerable bearing on the city and state’s future. We recommend retaining the following judges:

Paul Wilson, Missouri Supreme Court Judge

Paul Wilson wrote the opinion for the Missouri Supreme Court decision that required Missouri Proposition A to be voted on in the current election. 

The MCNS proposes that this Judge be Retained.

Angela Turner Quigless, Appeals Court Judge

Among other notable decisions, Angela Turner Quigless showed considerable support for citizen-led ballot initiatives.

The MCNS proposes that this Judge be Retained.

Calea Stovall-Reid, 22nd Judicial Circuit Court Judge, 

Calea Stovall-Reid is a Howard University alum who has received endorsements by forward thinking groups such as Action St. Louis Power Project.

The MCNS proposes that this Judge be Retained.