We saw a major election come and go on Aug. 5. It was probably one of the biggest midterm, primary elections in recent history. And, in the end, Missouri voters have spoken on a number of issues.

First of all, I want to thank everyone who went out and voted. Of all the things we can do, voting takes the least amount of time, but does the most good. With everything happening in our lives these days, it is good to see people turn out at the polls.

Here are the statewide totals from the secretary of state’s office on the five amendments:

• Amendment 1 (Right to Farm) narrowly won, with 498,751 “yes” and 496,223 “no” votes. It is thought the narrow margin on this issue will be contested.
• Amendment 5 (Right to Bear Arms) won handily, earning 602,076 “yes” and 385,422 “no” votes.
• Amendment 7 (Transportation funding) was defeated, with 590,963 “no” and 407,532 “yes” votes. I felt this was an issue that impacts all Missouri citizens and needed to be decided by them. I'm not sure where we go from here. Maybe we will see the governor come forward with an idea.
• Amendment 8 (Veterans’ lottery ticket) also lost, receiving 538,575 “no” and 440,369 “yes” votes. This question might have been overshadowed by the higher-profile amendments on the ballot.
• Amendment 9 (Electronic security) won decisively, with 728,549 “yes” and 246,020 “no” votes. This one was not even close, and I am glad, because the heavy hand of the federal government needs to be slapped. There is no reason to track Americans through their cell phones and e-mails when they have done nothing wrong. Hopefully, other states will see the benefit of this amendment and be reminded this country was founded under the idea that the states run the federal government and not the other way around.

Some of these ideas may be revisited by the Legislature next year. Before then, we have another item, and that is the annual veto session. This year, we will return to Jefferson City during the week of Sept. 8 for committee hearings and to consider some, if not all, of the measures that were vetoed this year. I will keep you informed on the fate of vetoed legislation in future columns.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Thank you.