FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 7, 2025

Cole County Judge Upholds Second Revised Ballot Language, Affirming the Success of New Process Under Senate Bill 22

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Secretary of State’s Office today announced that a Cole County judge has upheld the Secretary’s Second Revised Summary Statement and Second Revised Fair Ballot Language, ruling that both are “fair and sufficient.” The ruling marks a clear validation of the new process established under Senate Bill 22, which strengthened accountability and ensured clarity in ballot language drafting and review.

The Court’s order, the Second Revised Summary Statement for HJR73, and Second Revised Fair Ballot Language Statement for HJR73 are attached. 

Under Senate Bill 22, approved by the General Assembly in 2025, the Missouri Secretary of State is provided up to three opportunities to revise ballot summaries that are challenged in court—ensuring that final language presented to Missouri voters is accurate, neutral, and reflective of state law. Previously, language was drafted by filing parties or revised by judges.

“This ruling is a victory for both the law and for Missouri voters,” said Secretary of State Denny Hoskins. “Senate Bill 22 is working exactly as intended. The new process ensures that constitutional and statutory ballot language is fair, sufficient, and lawful—and that Missourians can vote their values without out-of-state interests manipulating the process or misleading the public. Today’s decision confirms that our office is following the law and protecting the integrity of Missouri’s ballot.”

The Missouri Secretary of State’s Office remains committed to providing clear, accurate, and transparent ballot information to all Missouri voters. Through the new statutory framework, Missourians can have confidence that the language they see on the ballot reflects the true legal effect of the measures before them.

For more information, please contact Rachael Dunn, Director of Communications, via email at [email protected].

download.pdf

SECOND REVISED FAIR BALLOT LANGUAGE STATEMENT FOR HJR 73.pdf

SECOND REVISED SUMMARY STATEMENT FOR HJR 73.pdf