Senator Mike Bernskoetter

6th Senatorial District

For Immediate Release: 

Feb. 23, 2024

Capitol Building, Room 416

Jefferson City, MO 65101

Contact Kenny Ross: 

 573-751-2076

IP Reform Third Read

I hope you enjoyed the holiday this week and that your families are well. The Senate made progress these past few days on my legislation as well as initiative petition (IP) reform.

In the Senate Chamber, Senate Joint Resolution 74 was third read and passed, and is now on its way to the Missouri House of Representatives. Compromise brought us to this momentous win for Missourians. This IP reform bill requires the majority of the population, as well as a majority in at least 5 of Missouri’s 8 congressional districts to approve any constitutional changes. If this passes at the ballot box, out-of-state interests will no longer be able to simply sponsor ads in big cities in order to try and manipulate people into voting to change the constitution. By providing this protection, SJR 74 ensures that statewide laws have statewide representation, which is why it has been a priority of mine this session and will continue to be until it makes its way to the Governor’s desk.

There are concerns among some that the bill in its current form lacks the language necessary to prevent non-U.S. citizens from voting in Missouri. I can assure you that this language is unnecessary and should not be a concern for voters because the state constitution already requires voters to be U.S. Citizens and reside in Missouri to participate in our elections. 

Article 8, Section 2 of the Missouri State Constitution states “All citizens of the United States…over the age of eighteen who are residents of this state…are entitled to vote at all elections by the people,” and in section 11 it clarifies methods of authorization, “A person seeking to vote in person in public elections may be required by general law to identify himself or herself and verify his or her qualifications as a citizen of the United States of America and a resident of the state of Missouri by providing election officials with a form of identification.” 

These sections outline the requirement that voters be both a citizen of the United States and a citizen of Missouri. On a similar note, it is also already illegal for foreign governments to involve themselves in Missouri elections. 

I will continue to keep you updated on the progress of legislation in the Senate and will work hard to pass legislation that will help you in your day-to-day lives.

As always, feel free to knock on my door with any questions or concerns you might have, and if you want to be a witness for a bill, contact my offices. 

Please feel free to contact my office at 573-751-2076. For information about my committee assignments or sponsored legislation, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Bernskoetter.