Below are the amendments and what your vote would mean in regard to the ballot language.

Constitutional Amendment 1 – “Right to Farm”
A “yes” vote would limit the ability of Missouri voters and legislators to place future restrictions on farming and other agricultural related practices. According to one of the authors of the bill, Sen. Mike Parson, R-Bolivar, “If passed, Amendment 1 would protect all farmers and ranchers in Missouri. From the individual raising a few calves or hens to a row crop farm consisting of thousands of acres, the rights and protections afforded by Amendment 1 will ensure Missouri’s farmers are able to continue their operations free from unreasonable intrusion from outside interests.”

A “no” vote would not amend the Missouri Constitution.

Constitutional Amendment 5 – Right to Bear Arms
A “yes” vote would amend the Missouri Constitution to include a statement that the right to keep and bear arms is an unalienable right. Amendment 5 also adds ammunition and gun accessories to this constitutionally protected status.

A “no” vote on Amendment 5 would not amend the Missouri Constitution.

Constitutional Amendment 7 – Sales Tax Increase for Transportation
A “yes” vote would amend the Missouri Constitution to enact a statewide sales tax increase of three-quarters of 1 percent to be used to fund state and local transportation projects over the next 10 years. After the 10-year sunset expires, a vote will take place automatically, allowing voters to renew the tax for 10 more years. A “yes” vote on Amendment 7 would produce $480 million annually for state projects and $54 million annually for local projects. A “yes” vote on Amendment 7 will help rebuild the state's crumbling infrastructure and fund construction projects throughout Missouri. There will be no taxes imposed on food or prescription drugs.

A “no” vote would keep taxes at their current levels and would not fund the proposed construction projects.

Constitutional Amendment 8 – Veterans Lottery Ticket
A “yes” vote would amend the Missouri Constitution to create a Veterans Lottery Ticket. Any revenue from the sale of these new tickets would be used for projects and services related to veterans and would be administered by the Missouri Veterans Commission. Currently all revenue derived from the Missouri Lottery is constitutionally required to fund public education.

A “no” vote would not authorize the creation of a Veterans Lottery Ticket.

Constitutional Amendment 9 – Relating to Electronic Communications
A “yes” vote on Constitutional Amendment 9 would amend the Missouri Constitution with a declaration that the people shall be secure in their electronic communications and data from unreasonable searches and seizures as they are now likewise secure in their persons and homes.

A “no” vote would not amend the Missouri Constitution, thereby keeping the constitution silent regarding Missouri citizens' rights to be secure in their electronic communications and data from unreasonable searches and seizures.

The Search for Lynn Messer
I am asking for help on behalf of a colleague of mine from Jefferson City.  Kerry Messer, a full-time lobbyist at the Capitol, has worked on behalf of Missouri families for more than 30 years. Whether or not a person agreed with Kerry on every issue, his passion and integrity are well-known and respected. Lynn, Kerry’s wife of 34 years, disappeared sometime before the morning of July 8, without a trace. She did not take any personal items with her, including a boot she had been wearing due to a foot injury.  The Ste. Genevieve County Sheriff’s Department has been conducting a massive search effort, but with no success to date. Kerry has set up a Facebook page, located here or by visiting https://www.facebook.com/findlynnmesser, to help with the search. The website includes photos and flyers that can be distributed. If at all possible, please help solve this tragic mystery.