Thu Oct 31 07:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Missouri and Illinois Voters Head to the Polls on November 5th

**Cape Girardeau, MO** – Missourians will be voting on a number of important issues on November 5th, including a potential constitutional amendment to legalize sports betting and a major amendment to the state’s abortion laws.

**Missouri’s Top Races and Issues:**

* **Governor:** Democrat Crystal Quade and Republican Mike Kehoe are vying for the Governor’s seat.
* **Missouri Constitution Amendment 2:** This amendment would legalize sports betting in Missouri, subject to regulation by the Missouri Gaming Commission. A 10% tax on betting revenue would be allocated to educational institutions.
* **Missouri Constitution Amendment 3:** This amendment would establish a constitutional right to reproductive healthcare, including abortion and contraceptives. It would also remove Missouri’s current ban on abortion and allow for regulation of reproductive healthcare to improve patient health.
* **Missouri Proposition B:** This proposition would increase the state minimum wage to $13.75 per hour in 2025 and $15.00 per hour in 2026, with annual adjustments based on inflation. It would also require employers with 15 or more employees to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.

**Illinois Voters to Weigh in on Referendums and Key Races:**

* **Illinois Referendums:** Illinois voters will decide on three non-binding referendums, including one asking whether to penalize candidates who interfere with election workers, another asking for a 3% tax increase on incomes over $1 million to fund property tax relief, and a third advocating for mandated insurance coverage of fertility treatments.
* **Illinois House Races:** Several Illinois House districts, including districts 12 and 13, will be contested in this election.
* **Separation Referendum:** Voters in several counties will be asked whether the county board should explore the possibility of separating from Cook County to form a new state.

**Local Issues and Contested Races:**

Several cities and counties in Missouri have local ballot issues on the November 5th ballot. These include issues regarding city budgets, transportation departments, property taxes, and short-term rentals.

**Find Your Sample Ballot:**

Voters are encouraged to visit their county’s election authority website to review their sample ballot and find information on voting procedures.

**Stay Updated on Election Results:**

First Alert 4 will provide live local election updates online, on Matrix Midwest, and on Channel 4 throughout the night of November 5th.

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