JEFFERSON CITY — This year, when voters head to the polls on Aug. 5, in addition to individual elective races, there will be five ballot measures for citizens to decide.

Ballot measures can be placed on the ballot through different methods. All five measures for this election are potential amendments to our state constitution, and were created by either House or Senate joint resolutions that were approved either in the 2013 or 2014 legislative session. That means that both chambers had to agree the subject was important enough to bring to Missouri voters. Initiative petitions are another way ballot measures can be brought for public vote. The governor determines if the issues are placed on the August primary ballot or the November general election ballot. I urge you to research and study these issues before you go to the polls, so you can make the most informed decision possible.

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 laying 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.”

Constitutional Amendment 5 - Guns

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.

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 one percent to be used to fund state and local transportation projects over the next ten 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.

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.

Constitutional Amendment 9: 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.

On a more somber note, 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, disappeared sometime before the morning of July 8, without a trace. 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.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.