Amendment 1 would make Missouri a national leader in protecting the voting power of communities of color. It requires that maps shall not result in “diminishing (racial or language minorities’) ability to elect representatives of their choice.” Passing Amendment 1 would give Missourians the rights and tools necessary to challenge unfair or racist gerrymandering — rights that currently do not exist in the state or federal law.
Amendment 1 would also eliminate gifts from lobbyists and require all legislative meetings and records to be open to the public. It would lower campaign contribution limits to put support for candidates within the reach of everyday Missourians — not just those with a corporate checkbook. And most importantly, it would enshrine the Voting Rights Act into the Missouri Constitution to protect the rights of communities of color to be represented in the Legislature. State leaders of conscience should welcome the chance to be held to the highest standards.
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