Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my concern regarding the low voter turnout in Missouri, particularly for the local elections held every April. and August. These elections frequently cover significant tax increases, yet turnout often averages only 11%. August 4th election will cover whether or not our votes will even continue with the power it should have. Are citizens really just going to give up our voting power?
It is vital that we encourage more citizens to fulfill their civic duty by participating in these votes. Furthermore, with the upcoming election on August 4, 2026, it is important that voters are well-informed about the issues on the ballot.
To help clarify the decisions ahead, here's a brief summary below:
Amendment 1: Continues a sales tax for conservation, They have been receiving this sales tax for 42 years, however, many times we have voted on them getting other taxes. Its always one more tax, one more renewal, just a few pennies. At some point citizens should ask when it will stop. They have been receiving this since 1984. Question WHY? There is always a reason for this tax, that tax, do they need it, because Americans do. Governments across the globe are getting Billions while our seniors are scraping pennies and vets can't get help. There is always a good reason put on paper for any tax, but somewhere it has to stop. if citizens vote NO, then they will have to trim the fat.
Amendment 2: Will open up our constitution to add changes on the elected position of assessors. This will delete the language from the Missouri constitution that exempts counties with populations between 600K and 700K from needing to elect the assessor in the county. The ONLY county that currently fits this is Jackson County. So if people vote YES, Jackson county will NEED TO START ALLOWING CITIZENS TO ELECT THEIR ASSESSOR.
Amendment 4: WILL REMOVE THE POPULAR VOTE AND LEAVE THE FINAL SAY TO ALL ELECTIONS UP TO THE CITY PEOPLE.
So we the people will no longer say what happens in Missouri, only Kansas City, ST Louis, Springfield, Sedalia and Columbia WILL DECIDE, EVERYTHING: just as many other states that have done this may put Missouri into resembling Oregon, Washington and California. As these states have done a lot to remove the individual from electing mostly common sense. So much of Missouri is NOT in the city and i don't want to trust city people to make my life decisions for me. If citizens vote NO, then we will still have our vote count.
Amendment 5; Claims to want to lower our taxes by raising the taxes on corporations. It doesn't tell people that Many small mom and pops are Limited Liability CORPORATIONS, these corporations are the places many Missourians like to shop. If they get hit with a higher tax, they will pass that down to the customer and BOOM, we will have to pay more for the cost of living, not just food, but any of the goods that we buy. So EVERY SMALL INCORPORATED BUSINESSES LIKE SANDYS, KOHENS, HERTZOG, MCBEES, ETC.
If Missouri raises taxes on corporations like NYC,CA and OR did, our companies (THAT KEEP US EMPLOYED), are likely to move to states that aren't jacking up their corporate taxes. I have NEVER SEEN THE STATE DELETE TAXES FOR INDIVIDUALS. I DON'T BELIEVE THEY WILL AND I DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO PAY $20 FOR SINGLE SANDWICH. I believe people should require the state to LOWER ITS SPENDING , instead of raising taxes every time they want more money. Especially in light of all the money we have seen that has been stolen, sent over seas, pocketed instead of helping our citizens. Personally I don't see any need for all of our small corporations to have to cover expenses that politicians should just stop making. If the state of Missouri can not live with in their means of the Billions they already take in then CUT THE SPENDING. BALANCE A BUDGET LIKE EVERY MISSOURI CITIZEN HAS TO DO. So if we vote NO, It shows we want to keep our small mom and pop corporations in business with out raising prices.
This editorial isn't just a quick review of the AUGUST 4TH ELECTION.
It is more than that, it is letting citizens know 11% of Missouri ALWAYS RAISES TAXES, ADDS THINGS THAT MAKE US ASK WHY. GET OUT AND VOTE EVERY APRIL, AUGUST NOVEMBER AND WHEN EVER THERE IS AN ELECTION.
WE AS CITIZENS ARE LOSING MORE ALL THE TIME BECAUSE WE LEAVE IT TO OTHER PEOPLE. THOSE PEOPLE ARE MAKING IT HARD ON THE REST OF US. PLEASE ALWAYS VOTE, ALWAYS BRING OTHERS, NEVER LEAVE IT UP TO SOMEONE ELSE.
My thoughts in this letter to the editor, Mrs. Coon
#MidAmericaLive
