Missouri - What to watch in 2026

Last updated: July, 2026

Missouri voters will decide whether to keep or repeal the reproductive-rights amendment approved in 2024. After voters added abortion protections to the state constitution, lawmakers placed a competing constitutional amendment on the November 2026 ballot that would repeal those protections and replace them with a more restrictive framework.

The proposed amendment would also add a constitutional prohibition on gender-transition procedures for minors. As a result, Missouri's 2026 election will determine whether protections approved by voters two years ago remain in place or are replaced through a new constitutional amendment.

What's at Stake

Missouri voters will decide whether the reproductive rights protections added to the state constitution in 2024 remain in place or are replaced with a more restrictive constitutional amendment proposed by the legislature.

A YES vote would repeal the reproductive-rights protections approved in 2024 and replace them with a constitutional framework that permits abortion only in limited circumstances, including certain cases involving rape, incest, medical emergencies, and fetal anomalies.

A NO vote would leave the 2024 reproductive rights amendment in place.

The proposal also includes a constitutional prohibition on gender transition procedures for minors, including gender transition surgeries, cross-sex hormones, and puberty-blocking drugs, with exceptions for certain medical conditions.

Text - Proposed amendment

"Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

• Repeal the 2024 voter-approved Amendment providing reproductive healthcare rights, including abortion through fetal viability;
• Allow abortions for rape and incest (under twelve weeks’ gestation), emergencies, and fetal anomalies;
• Allow legislation regulating abortion;
• Ensure parental consent for minors’ abortions;
• Prohibit gender transition procedures for minors?

State governmental entities estimate no costs or savings. Greene County estimates it may experience an unknown increase in tax revenue. Other local governmental entities estimate no costs or savings."

Constitutional amendment process

Missouri voters will also decide whether to change the rules for future citizen-led constitutional amendments.

Amendment 4 would require future constitutional amendments proposed through citizen initiative to receive both a statewide majority and majority support in each of Missouri's congressional districts before taking effect.

Supporters say the proposal would ensure constitutional changes have broader statewide support. Critics argue it would make it significantly more difficult for voters to amend the state constitution through the initiative process.

Because many rights-related policies in Missouri have reached voters through constitutional amendments, the outcome could affect how future policy changes are pursued.

Upcoming Elections

Primary election (August 4, 2026)

• Missouri State Senate (about half the chamber)
• Missouri House of Representatives (all seats)
• U.S. House of Representatives (8 seats)
• Amendment 4 - See Ballotpedia for details

Primaries determine which candidates advance to the general election and shape the policy options available to voters in November.

General election (November 3, 2026)

• Missouri State Senate (about half the chamber)
• Missouri House of Representatives (all seats)
• Missouri Supreme Court retention election (1 seat)
• US House of Representatives (8 seats)
• Amendment 3 (full text): Would repeal the reproductive-rights amendment approved by voters in 2024 and replace it with a more restrictive constitutional framework governing abortion. The amendment would also prohibit gender-transition procedures for minors.

Election Resources

The following links provide official information about the ballot, voter registration, and elected representatives.

Ballotpedia - Missouri ballot measures, 2026
Missouri Secretary of State - Approved ballot language (all 2026 measures)

Locate your district's representatives

• Missouri House of Representatives - The official MO House directory
• Missouri Senate - The official Senate directory

WRDI provides election context to support an informed understanding of how laws and policies change. The initiative does not endorse candidates or parties.