The Leader continues its Voters Guide for the Nov. 3 primary election. To assist an expected high number of people who wish to cast absentee and write-in ballots as early as possible, we will be posting profiles on candidates in contested races and ballot issues. The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot or mail-in ballot is 5 p.m. Oct. 21; the deadline to register to vote is Oct. 7. For information, call the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office at 636-797-5486.
Missourians will be asked on Nov. 3 to pass judgement on two amendments to the Missouri Constitution.
By far, the one that has received the most attention is Constitutional Amendment No. 3, which seeks to change the “Clean Missouri” initiative passed by voters in 2018.
In contrast, there’s been little publicity surrounding Constitutional Amendment No. 1, which aims to institute limits for all statewide elected officials.
Currently, the governor and treasurer cannot serve more than two four-year terms in their lifetimes. A “yes” vote on Amendment No. 1 would extend those limits to the lieutenant governor, secretary of state, auditor and attorney general.
A simple majority vote is required for passage.
Voters in 1992 approved instituting term limits for members of the General Assembly. State senators cannot serve more than two four-year terms and state representatives are limited to four two-year terms.
Amendment No. 1 was placed on the ballot by the General Assembly.
The sponsor of the initiative, state Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer (R-Parkville) said passage of the amendment is in line with the wishes of the public.
“The voters of Missouri have made it clear they emphatically support term limits. This measure will bring consistency to our term limits for all state officials and prevent them from becoming career politicians,” he told the Missouri Times.
Former State Rep. Brandon Ellington (D-Kansas City) argued against the initiative when it came up for debate.
He noted he used to be in favor of term limits until he became a lawmaker and saw lobbyists were the only ones with “institutional knowledge.”
“Term limits have proven to be a hindrance,” he said.
State Sen. Ed Emery (R-Lamar) has said he believes it’s a benefit to allow attorneys general and auditors to build expertise in office and he’s like to see the limit removed for treasurers.
“We want people in there who are experienced and know the job and know what they’re doing,” he said. “I do think that those are a little different categorically and functionally than those top executive positions.”
Missouri is one of eight states to limit governors to two terms during their lifetimes. Only five have such limits on treasurers. Some states have less restrictive term limits.
Currently, 23 states, including Missouri, specify no term limits for lieutenant governors; 31 do not limit terms of service for secretaries of state, 33 do not limit terms of attorneys general and 17 have no limit on auditors.