In response to Mr. Mayberry

The recent letter opposing Amendment 4 misrepresents both its purpose and effect.

First, Amendment 4 does not eliminate the initiative petition process. Missourians will still be able to gather signatures and place measures on the ballot. The only change is to require broader agreement before amending our Constitution.

Second, calling this “undemocratic” ignores a key principle: true democracy balances majority rule with protections for minority regions. Amendment 4 ensures that rural and small town Missourians are not overridden solely by high density population centers.

Third, the claim that one district could “overrule” the rest is misleading. Amendment 4 requires support across all congressional districts, meaning proposals must earn statewide buy in, not just pass narrowly in a few areas.

Fourth, concerns about special interests are backwards. Under the current system, outside groups can focus spending in a handful of urban areas to pass sweeping progressive constitutional changes. Amendment 4 forces campaigns to engage voters across the entire state.

Fifth, it will not make initiatives impossible to pass; it will ensure only measures with broad, durable support become part of our Constitution. That is an appropriate standard for permanent law.

Sixth, this aligns with conservative principles. Protecting the Constitution from frequent or narrowly supported changes preserves stability and limits misuse of the initiative process for policies better handled through statute.

Finally, Amendment 4 does not expand legislative power. It strengthens the voice of voters statewide by requiring consensus across Missouri’s diverse regions.

If we are going to amend our Constitution, it should reflect the will of the whole state, not just a simple majority in select urban areas.

Rep. Matthew Overcast, Ava