Missouri Advisory Opinions February 14, 2023: 94-2023

Advisory Opinion Text

The Honorable John R. Ashcroft

Missouri Secretary of State

James C. Kirkpatrick State Information Center

600 West Main Street

Jefferson City, MO 65101

Dear Secretary Ashcroft:

This opinion letter responds to your request dated February 2, 2023, for our review under § 116.334, RSMo of a proposed summary statement prepared for the petition submitted by Winston Apple, 2024-024. The proposed summary statement is as follows:

Do you want to amend the Missouri Constitution to:

• allow for a system of rank choice voting with a minimum of three candidates for senator and representative in order of voter preference;

• eliminate the primary election in 2026 for state legislators;

• list candidates for the general election without party affiliation;

• elect state senators at large, instead of by district;

• reduce the number of state representatives from 163 to 160 (20 members from each of the eight congressional districts); and

• fill vacancies with the highest-ranking unelected candidate?

Pursuant to § 116.334, RSMo, we approve the legal content and form of the proposed statement. Because our review of the statement is mandated by statute, no action that we take with respect to such review should be construed as an endorsement of the petition, nor as the expression of any view regarding the objectives of its proponents.

Very truly yours,

ANDREW BAILEY, Attorney General.