SJR 11 - Currently, the Missouri Constitution requires: • Initiative petitions seeking to amend the constitution to gather signatures equal to 8% of the legal voters in each of 2/3 of the Congressional districts; and
• Initiative petitions seeking to propose laws to gather signatures equal to 5% of the legal voters in 2/3 of the Congressional districts.
This constitutional amendment, if approved by the voters, requires:
• Initiative petitions proposing constitutional amendments to gather signatures equal to 15% of the legal voters in all of the Congressional districts; and
• Initiative petitions proposing laws to gather signatures equal to 10% of the legal voters in all of the Congressional districts.
Furthermore, the amendment also modifies the process for approving initiatives. Currently, any initiated measure, whether a law or a constitutional amendment, takes effect when approved by a majority of the votes cast. This amendment stipulates that an initiative still must receive a simple majority but additionally the total number of votes in support can not be less than 35% of the total number of ballots cast in the election.
SCOTT SVAGERA