Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has officially cleared the path for four major constitutional proposals to appear before voters this summer. By signing formal proclamations, the Governor has set Amendment 1, Amendment 2, Amendment 4, and Amendment 5 for the August 4, 2026, primary election ballot.
The move is designed to provide Missourians ample time to evaluate significant policy shifts, particularly regarding the state’s tax structure. Governor Kehoe noted that placing these measures on the primary ballot allows the Missouri General Assembly additional time to prepare for the implementation of changes, should they be approved by the electorate.
Breakdown of the Ballot Measures
The four amendments slated for the August ballot cover a diverse array of state governance and fiscal issues:
- Amendment 1: Proposes a 10-year extension of the one-tenth of one percent sales and use tax dedicated to soil and water conservation, state parks, and historic sites.
- Amendment 2: Mandates that all charter counties, including Jackson County, elect a county assessor who must adhere to state-established training requirements.
- Amendment 4: Seeks to alter the initiative petition process by requiring a majority of voters in each congressional district—rather than a simple statewide majority—to approve constitutional amendments. It also mandates that the full text of such petitions be provided to voters at the ballot box.
- Amendment 5: Outlines a plan to phase out and eventually eliminate the individual income tax based on revenue growth. The measure includes provisions to reduce property and local taxes to offset increases in local sales tax revenue, while maintaining funding for public schools.
Looking Ahead
The August 4 election will serve as a critical checkpoint for the state’s legislative agenda. If the proposed amendments are approved, the General Assembly will likely face the task of navigating the transition to a new tax structure and implementing new election oversight requirements. Meanwhile, other ballot measures that are currently undergoing the certification process are expected to be placed on the November general election ballot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to ballot measures that are not on the August ballot?
Any other ballot measures that successfully complete the certification process will be placed on the November general election ballot.
What is the primary goal of Amendment 5?
Amendment 5 seeks to phase out and eliminate the individual income tax based on revenue growth, while simultaneously requiring property and local tax reductions to offset local sales tax increases and preserving public school funding.
How does Amendment 4 change the initiative petition process?
Amendment 4 would require a majority of voters in each congressional district to approve constitutional amendments, replacing the current requirement of a simple statewide majority, and would ensure voters have access to the full text of the petitions.
Which of these proposed constitutional changes do you believe will have the most significant impact on your local community?
