COLUMBIA — Missouri voters will head to the polls on Nov. 5, and among the issues on the ballot will be Amendment 7. If passed, the amendment could affect the voting process during future elections.
The primary purpose of the amendment is to put a ban on ranked-choice voting. When voting for a candidate during any given race, ranked-choice voting allows the voter to select multiple candidates and list them based on preference. This method of voting is not currently used in Missouri.
The Amendment would also change Article 8, Section 2 of the Missouri constitution, which currently states, "all citizens of the United States are allowed to vote." Approval of Amendment 7 would change that to "only citizens of the United States are allowed to vote."
Arguments for Amendment 7
People in support of the amendment advocate for a voting system that limits voters to one choice per candidate. Approval of the amendment would ensure this system is implemented during all future elections.
This would mean the party candidate that receives the most votes during the primary election would be the only candidate representing that party in a single race during the general election.
Advocates of the amendment say that this simplifies the voting process.
"Ranked-choice voting is a system designed to confuse voters," said Spencer Bone, the executive director of political group Liberty Alliance. "By voting yes, the people of Missouri have a huge opportunity to protect the integrity of our elections."
Supporters also find it important to reinforce the prohibition of noncitizen voting.
"It says all citizens may vote, but that sets a floor, not a ceiling," Missouri Attorney General Andrew bailey said. "So, by changing the word 'all' to 'only,' we cap that ceiling and clearly distinguish who is and who isn't authorized to vote here."
Opponents of Amendment 7
People against the ban on ranked-choice voting want it to remain a viable option for future Missouri elections. Rejection of the amendment would mean that ranked-choice voting, as well as other potential methods of voting, could be considered in Missouri.
"Amendment 7 is an attempt to limit people from deciding how they want to vote or how they want to conduct their election," said Paul Lehmann, the Green-Party candidate for Missouri Governor. "It's an attack on local control."
Opponents also believe a ranked choice voting system is beneficial to all political parties.
"This system works for all parties, Republican and Democrats," Lehmann said. "The parties who have multiple candidates running — it enables them to find the best candidate."
As it pertains to noncitizen voting, nonsupporters argue it's an unnecessary addition to the amendment. They say it is "ballot candy," a term used to describe a misleading addition to a particular amendment that is meant to sway the vote.
