Voters in the Show-Me State will face several crucial decisions on the ballot this November 5, including whether to overturn the state’s current abortion ban and legalize sports betting. The Missouri Secretary of State’s office confirmed on Tuesday that a proposed constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to an abortion has garnered enough signatures to be included in the general election ballot.
The proposed abortion rights amendment will appear as Amendment 3. If passed, it would allow abortions until after fetal viability, approximately 24 weeks, with exceptions when the mother’s life or health is at risk. Under current law, abortion in Missouri is restricted to only instances of medical emergencies.
Democrats in the state hope the ballot measure will energize pro-choice voters in November’s election and boost the prospects of the party’s gubernatorial candidate, State House Minority Leader Crystal Quade. The Republican Party nominee—and favorite to win the election—Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe is a strong opponent of the initiative.
In addition to the abortion measure, voters will decide on Amendment 2, which proposes the legalization of sports betting in the state. This initiative has support from major sports franchises, including the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs, and aims to implement a 10 percent tax on sports wagers. Revenue from this tax would be allocated to educational institutions and a fund for compulsive gambling prevention.
Lastly, voters will decide on a ballot measure that proposes increasing Missouri’s minimum wage from $12 to $15 per hour by 2026. The initiative, named Proposition A, also includes provisions for guaranteed paid sick time based on hours worked.
