Jefferson City, Mo. — Secretary of State Jason Kander today announced an initiative petition relating to public financing for political candidates met state standards for circulation.
The official ballot title for initiative petition 2016-061 reads:
Shall Missouri law be amended to create a voluntary, taxpayer-funded program that provides public financing to political candidates, in the form of matching funds, if the candidate agrees to limit campaign contributions they accept from individuals and entities?
State government entities expect one-time costs of about $159,000 and annual costs exceeding $100,000. Also, an unknown amount of revenue will not be available for state General Revenue Fund spending. Local governmental entities expect no costs or savings from this proposal.
The petition, which would amend Chapters 130 and 143 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, was submitted by Winston Apple, 15517 East 40th St. S., Independence, MO 64055.
Before any statutory changes can be brought before Missouri voters in the November 2016 election, signatures must be obtained from registered voters equal to five (5) percent of the total votes cast in the 2012 governor’s election from six of the state’s eight congressional districts.
Signatures on behalf of all initiative petitions for the 2016 ballot are due to the secretary of state’s office by no later than 5 p.m. on May 8, 2016.
Before circulating petitions, state law requires that groups must first have the form of their petition approved by the secretary of state and attorney general. The secretary of state then prepares a summary statement of no more than 100 words, and the state auditor prepares a fiscal impact statement, both of which are subject to the approval of the attorney general. When both statements are approved, they become the official ballot title.
