MISSOURI – Voters will have a lot to decide on this November.
Not only will voters be choosing a new governor, but there will also be the potential to add amendments to the state’s constitution. On Nov. 5, Missourians will vote on whether to overturn the state’s near-total abortion ban and another hot button issue, whether to legalize sports gambling.
Several Missouri leaders in reproductive care came together Tuesday to celebrate the announcement. More than 380,000 voters signed a petition to get the amendment on the ballot.
“This is a monumental achievement for our campaign and a significant step forward for the rights of all Missourians,” Rachel Sweet with Missourians for Constitutional Freedom said.
It will likely be a close race on Nov. 5. A poll from St. Louis University and YouGov earlier this year shows 44% of Missourians would support overturning the ban, while 37% oppose and 19% are unsure.
Pam Fichter with Missouri Right to Life is one of many in the state in favor of keeping the ban in place.
“This measure is anti-woman and anti-child and we urge Missouri voters to reject it,” Fichter told FOX 2.
If the amendment were to be passed, Missouri would become the first state to vote to end the abortion ban at the ballot box. Tori Schaefer with the ACLU Missouri said if that happens, Missourians will start seeing a change almost immediately.
“We are going to start rebuilding access from day one,” Schafer said.
The other big issue voters will take up will include sports betting. For past years, Missouri’s six professional sports teams have heavily promoted the idea.
On Tuesday, Cardinals president Bill Dewitt III wrote in a statement:
“Missouri is now just one step away from joining most other states in legalizing sports betting and being able to provide millions of dollars to Missouri classrooms. On behalf of all six of Missouri’s professional sports teams, I would like to thank everyone who signed a petition to get this on the ballot.”
The sports betting initiative would include a 10% revenue tax that would benefit Missouri’s public schools.
