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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 16, 2025

Statement from Secretary of State Denny Hoskins Regarding Referendum Petitions

“Our office’s duty is to uphold both the Constitution and the statutes that protect the integrity of Missouri’s elections,” said Secretary Hoskins. “We will continue to defend every citizen’s right to petition their government—while also ensuring that those who deliberately commit fraud or forgery in the process are held accountable. Allowing out-of-state individuals to abuse the process and cheat undermines Missouri citizen’s power in our political process.”

The right of Missourians to speak freely and to petition their government is fundamental. Merely advocating for or discussing a referendum, or engaging with others about potential ballot issues, is not a crime and never has been. Nor is seeking signatures before the proposed referendum is approved as to form—even if those signatures cannot be counted due to noncompliance with statutory rules. The Secretary of State fully supports Missourians’ constitutional rights to express their opinions and to organize around issues of public concern.

Recent statements from the Office have focused not on restricting that right, but on reminding the public of the specific criminal offenses that may occur during the signature-gathering phase of a referendum petition once circulation begins under Missouri law.

Those offenses—defined in Chapters 115 and 116 of the Missouri Revised Statutes—include:

  • Signing a petition using any name other than one’s own;
  • Knowingly signing more than once for the same measure or election;
  • Signing a petition while not a registered Missouri voter;
  • Falsifying or forging signatures;
  • Submitting petition sheets known to contain false or invalid signatures;
  • Accepting or offering money or anything of value in exchange for a signature;
  • Falsely swearing to a circulator’s affidavit or notarization; and
  • Knowingly filing false withdrawal or affidavit statements.

“Every Missourian has the right to advocate, sign, and participate—but no one has the right to cheat,” Hoskins said. “If any citizen witnesses violations of these laws in the field, they can report them at: https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/elections_integrity.”

Each of these actions is a violation of state election law and may carry criminal penalties. The following table summarizes the applicable statutes and classifications:

Statute

Offense

Class / Penalty

§ 116.030 / .040

False or multiple signatures on petition

Class A Misdemeanor

§ 116.080

False circulator affidavit / forgery history

Class A Misdemeanor

§ 116.090

Petition signature fraud (false names, forged sheets, payments)

Class A Misdemeanor

§ 116.110

False signature-withdrawal statement

Class A Misdemeanor

§§ 115.631 – 115.637

False oath, bribery, intimidation, or election fraud (acts connected with suffrage)

Class One – Class Three Election Offense (Felony to Misdemeanor depending on conduct)

§ 115.639

Interfering with an employee’s right to vote (three hours off work)

Class Four Election Offense (Misdemeanor)

The Secretary emphasized that transparency, accuracy, and lawful participation remain the guiding principles of the referendum and initiative processes.

If any Missouri citizen witnesses potential violations of these laws in the field, they are encouraged to report them at www.sos.mo.gov/elections/elections_integrity.

For additional information about Missouri’s referendum petition procedures, visit www.sos.mo.gov/elections/petitions.