A statewide coalition is hosting an event Friday in Springfield to gather input about a new constitutional amendment aimed at protecting voting power.

The event is organized by the Respect MO Voters Coalition, a newly formed, cross-partisan organization working to use the ballot initiative process to safeguard voters' choices from being undermined by politicians. It is one of 25 scheduled events to be held across the state, according to a news release from the coalition.

The interactive town hall is set to take place at 5:30 p.m. Friday at the Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave. Through the event, citizen feedback will be gathered to shape a statewide campaign for a constitutional amendment in the next state election cycle.

"The amendment will ban Missouri politicians from undermining citizen initiatives, including banning politicians from placing biased language on the ballot," the release stated.

Missouri lawmakers have a long tradition of attempting to alter citizen initiatives. In 2020, when Missourians voted to expand Medicaid coverage, lawmakers refused to fund it until the Missouri Supreme Court ruled they had to. More recently, voters approved Proposition A, requiring paid sick leave and increases to the minimum wage, and Amendment 3 , enshrining abortion-rights protections in the state's constitution. Despite this, lawmakers in Jefferson City have filed legislation repealing paid sick leave and changing the terms of the minimum wage increases, as well as, trying to reinstate a ban on abortions that was ended through voter approval.

"The Respect MO Voters Coalition aims to enshrine protections for citizen-led initiatives in the state constitution, ensuring that the power remains with the people," the release says. "The coalition is committed to ensuring that Missouri voters' rights are protected from political interference."

According to the coalition's website , after the town hall events throughout March, it will host a statewide policy summit to decide what versions of the initiative to file with the state. The coalition then plans to conduct several petition signature drives and pledges to place the question on the August or November 2026 ballot.

Marta Mieze covers local government at the News-Leader. Have feedback, tips or story ideas? Contact her at [email protected].