Missourians to vote on abortion, minimum wage increase, sports gambling in November
Missouri citizens will decide in November whether to guarantee a right to abortion with a constitutional amendment that would reverse the state’s near-total ban on the procedure.
The secretary of state’s office certified Tuesday that an initiative petition received more than enough signatures from registered voters to qualify for the general election. It will need approval from a majority of voters to become enshrined in the state constitution.
The Missouri ballot measure would create a right to abortion until a fetus could likely survive outside the womb without extraordinary medical measures. Fetal viability generally has been considered to be around 23 or 24 weeks into pregnancy but has shifted downward with medical advances. The ballot measure would allow abortions after fetal viability if a health care professional determines it’s necessary to protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant woman.
Missouri voters will also choose whether or not to increase minimum wage. A “yes” vote on Proposition A will amend Missouri statutes to increase the state minimum wage beginning January 1, 2025 to $13.75 per hour and increase the hourly rate $1.25, to $15.00 per hour beginning January 2027. Annually the minimum wage will be adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index.
The law will require employers with fifteen or more employees to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every thirty hours worked.
The amendment will exempt governmental entities, political subdivisions, school districts and education institutions from the minimum wage increase.
Residents will also vote on allowing sports wagering. A “yes” vote on Amendment 2 will amend the Missouri Constitution to permit licensed sports wagering regulated by the Missouri Gaming Commission and restrict sports betting to individuals physically located in the state and over the age of 21.
The amendment includes a 10% wagering tax on revenues received to be appropriated for educational institutions in Missouri.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.