Voters demonstrated they were informed

A majority of Missouri voters displayed common sense Tuesday in the way they voted on constitutional amendments, Proposition A and the question regarding a new state constitution.

It wasn't just a matter of voting no or yes on everything. The outcomes of those ballot issues show voters read the ballot language and cast their votes based on informed opinions.

As a result, voters said yes to home rule for the city of St. Louis, a change in term limits for state legislators and allowing public utilities to enter into joint ventures. And they said no to collective bargaining for firefighters and ambulance crews, higher taxes on tobacco products and the calling of a constitutional convention.

Tuesday's election also showed that Missouri's initiative and referendum process still works. This election is a good argument why efforts to limit voter participation in important issues should be abandoned.