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Missouri GOP Seeks to Raise Threshold for Citizen Initiatives After Union-Led Referendum Victories

other · 2026-07-26

Missouri Republican lawmakers, angered by the 2018 repeal of their right-to-work law via citizen referendum, are pushing a constitutional amendment to require a majority in every congressional district for future initiatives. This follows union-led campaigns that also secured paid sick leave in 2024, which the legislature later rescinded. The proposal, which itself requires voter approval in August 2026, is part of a broader GOP trend to restrict ballot initiatives in Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Florida. The United Steelworkers (USW) and allies are mobilizing to defeat it, citing a fundamental right to petition. The AFL-CIO's 30th Convention in Minneapolis delayed its next convention until 2031, drawing criticism from union members like Chris Townsend for suspending democratic norms.

Key facts

  • Missouri Republicans propose requiring a majority in every congressional district for citizen-initiated constitutional amendments.
  • The 2018 referendum overturned Missouri's right-to-work law after a USW-led campaign.
  • A 2024 referendum providing paid sick leave was rescinded by the legislature.
  • The new threshold proposal must be approved by voters in August 2026.
  • Oklahoma's 2025 law restricts signature gathering by county after a Medicaid expansion referendum.
  • South Dakota's 2025 law shortens signature-gathering period; a 2026 proposal seeks 60% vote threshold.
  • Florida imposes high validation fees on signatures for ballot initiatives.
  • A federal court in Arkansas sided with voters challenging absurd restrictions.
  • The AFL-CIO's 30th Convention in Minneapolis delayed its next convention until 2031 via Constitutional Amendment Number 1.
  • Chris Townsend criticized the delay as an 'appalling act of treachery' and a suspension of democratic norms.

Entities

Institutions

  • United Steelworkers (USW)
  • AFL-CIO
  • International Workers Institute
  • Independent Media Institute
  • Missouri General Assembly
  • Republican Party
  • Democratic Party

Locations

  • Missouri
  • Oklahoma
  • South Dakota
  • Florida
  • Arkansas
  • Ohio
  • Minneapolis
  • United States

Sources