**Missouri’s August 4 Ballot** – Four Amendments, One Clear Choice for Each

Missouri voters head to the polls on August 4, 2026 for the state primary election, and this year the stakes are much higher than most primaries. Gov. Mike Kehoe signed proclamations on May 22 placing four constitutional amendments on the August ballot, amendments that will shape the state’s tax code, voting rights, and balance of power for years to come. The decision to schedule these measures during a low-turnout primary wasn’t an accident. Jefferson City is betting you won’t show up. Prove them wrong.

The registration deadline is July 8, 2026. If you are not registered, do it now. No-excuse early voting begins July 21.

Here is what is on your ballot and what it means.

Amendment 1: Renew the Parks and Soil Sales Tax — VOTE YES

Amendment 1 extends for 10 years the one-tenth of one percent sales and use tax used for soil and water conservation and for state parks and historic sites. This tax has been in place since 1984. It is not a new tax. It funds the trails, parks, and green spaces that rural Missourians actually use. A yes vote keeps the lights on for the places that belong to all of us.

Amendment 2: Direct Election of County Assessors — VOTE NO

Amendment 2 makes the county assessor an elected position in charter counties, the only places it really changes anything, since most counties already elect their assessors. Property assessment is a technical, specialized function that requires professional training, not campaign yard signs. Turning it into a political race lowers professional standards and solves a problem that does not exist.

Amendment 4: Raising the Bar for Citizen-Led Amendments — VOTE NO

This one is a power grab dressed up as election reform. Under Amendment 4, if an initiative petition reached state ballots, it would require a majority vote in each of Missouri’s eight congressional districts to take effect, rather than only a simple statewide majority. Critically, any proposed amendment sent to the ballot by the legislature would still only need a simple majority, meaning the legislature gives itself an easier path while making yours nearly impossible. The initiative petition process is how Missourians legalized marijuana and won abortion rights over the legislature’s objections. Amendment 4 would make it much harder for citizens to change the constitution. It is designed to silence voters when Jefferson City refuses to listen.

Amendment 5: The “Everything” Tax — VOTE NO

Amendment 5 allows the legislature to expand sales and use taxes as a way to eliminate the state’s income tax. Sales taxes are regressive by design. They hit working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and rural communities hardest because everyone pays the same rate regardless of what they earn. The list of what could be taxed under this framework includes doctor’s visits, prescription drugs, rent, daycare, and labor on repairs. This is a gift to the wealthy paid for by everyone else.

Therefore…

Past election data shows more Republicans are likely to vote in the August primary. That is exactly why Amendments 4 and 5 were moved here. Your presence on August 4 should not be optional.

Dates to Know:

• Voter Registration Deadline: July 8, 2026

• No-Excuse Early Voting Begins: July 21, 2026

• Election Day: August 4, 2026 (polls open 6am to 7pm)

Resources:

• Register or check your registration

• Find your polling place

• Absentee ballot information

• Missouri House Primary Democratic Candidates (August 4 Democratic primaries, by District)

• Missouri State Senate Primary Candidates (August 4 Primaries, by District)

• Use BlueVoterGuide.org to choose your candidates and Amendment vote answers

Be sure to search for your campaign candidates. Most do have their own website. (Enter their name with ‘Missouri election,’ and you may find it!)