Democratic Rep. Marlene Terry says she ran for chair of the caucus because it’s an opportunity to speak with others in the legislature on accessing equal opportunities for Missourians.
Though still in the super-minority, House Democrats picked up three seats during the 2022 midterm elections. Possible reasons for the gains include a new district map, marijuana legalization and the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
While Republicans will still hold a supermajority in the chamber, House Democrats were able to gain three seats, giving them their largest numbers in years.
Republicans scored big wins from Eric Schmitt in the U.S. Senate contest and Scott Fitzpatrick in the auditor’s race, but Democrats came out on top in Missouri’s only competitive state Senate contest and gained in the House.
Two other issues on the ballot passed, including a measure creating a separate Missouri Department of the National Guard and one that forces Kansas City to increase funding for its police department. Two measures failed: one giving the treasury greater leeway in investing and the other prompting the state to hold a constitutional convention.
There are a total of five statewide measures that are on the ballot for Missouri voters, but the one earning the most attention is whether the state should legalize the adult use of marijuana for those 21 and older.
Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft talked about instilling confidence in the state elections and his opposition to a constitutional amendment legalizing marijuana for recreational use.
The upcoming November election is the first to be impacted by Missouri’s sweeping new election law. While it is currently in effect, two lawsuits filed against it could jeopardize it in the future.
Under Amendment 3, known as Legal Missouri 2022, some state marijuana offenses could be expunged either automatically or through an appeal process. However, critics of the amendment say the provisions pick and choose who are forgiven.
Amendment 3 would make recreational use of marijuana legal in the state. The proposed constitutional amendment received enough signatures to appear on the November ballot back in August.
Democratic Rep. Marlene Terry says she ran for chair of the caucus because it’s an opportunity to speak with others in the legislature on accessing equal opportunities for Missourians.
