New constitution for Missouri isn't needed

A provision in the Missouri Constitution mandates that a question be placed on the ballot at a general election every 20 years asking the voters whether they desire that a constitutional convention be held to rewrite that crucial document.

The last such vote was in 1982, and the next one is on Nov. 5, just a few weeks off.

Since becoming a state 181 years ago, Missouri has had four constitutions. The current constitution was adopted by voters in 1945. With 151 pages of small type, excluding a 48-page index, it has become one of the longest state constitutions in the nation.

Longtime observers, such as former state Sen. Albert Spradling Jr. of Cape Girardeau, say the idea of a constitutional convention garnered scant notice during its last two appearances on the ballot, with hardly a dollar spent for or against the issue.

Indeed, it looks as though that will be the case again. So far, no groups have organized to campaign for or against this question that will be on the November ballot: "In compliance with the Constitution of Missouri, Article XII, Section 3 (a) shall there be a convention to revise and amend the constitution?"

In 1962, 63.7 percent of voters rejected the calling of a convention. The opposition increased to 69.5 percent in 1982.

Legislative leaders in both parties oppose calling a convention at this time, in part because the current document can be readily amended when voters so choose.

Since 1982, 77 proposed amendments have made it to the ballot, proposed either by the General Assembly or by the people through the initiative-petition process. Approximately 60 percent of those amendments have been adopted.

On the November ballot, there are three proposed constitutional amendments: a measure for home rule for the city of St. Louis, a technical change in legislative term limits and a measure easing restrictions on local governments operating joint utilities.

There seems little reason to vote for a constitutional convention. Barring some unforeseen development, it's likely the coming vote will yield the same result as the last two.