Missouri proposal would create nation's toughest standard for citizen-led constitutional amendments

Missouri voters are deciding on a measure that could make it much harder to amend the state constitution. Proposed Amendment 4 on Tuesday's ballot would require future amendments proposed by citizen initiatives to pass in all eight congressional districts, not just by a simple statewide majority. No other state has such a high standard. Supporters say it ensures all voices are heard. But critics argue it undermines majority rule. The proposal applies only to citizen initiatives, not those referred by the Legislature. Missouri's measure comes after other states have tried to make it harder to pass initiated amendments by requiring a 60% threshold statewide.