When will abortion rights issues be on the Missouri ballot? That may affect their chances

Some Republicans think placing abortion legalization initiatives on the August 2024 ballot could deprive Democrats of a turnout boost, compared to November. But if it's in the August election, the abortion rights measures may need a lower threshold to pass.
As backers of abortion legalization efforts continue to slog through the legal system, some Missouri Republicans are talking about whether the ballot items should be on the August primary ballot or the general election in November.

But that move, primarily motivated around depriving Democrats of a turnout boost in November, could complicate another GOP-led effort to make the Missouri Constitution more difficult to amend.

Two groups, Missourians for Constitutional Freedom and the Missouri Women and Families Research Fund, are trying to get initiatives to scale back the state’s ban on most abortions on the 2024 ballot. Both organizations are in court about how they are described to voters, which is often a critical factor in whether an initiative passes.