What percentage of votes is required in the last gubernatorial election for gathering signatures for an initiative in Missouri?

In Missouri, the requirement for gathering signatures for an initiative is based on a percentage of the votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election. Specifically, the state mandates that petitioners must gather signatures equal to 8% of the total votes cast in that election. This standard ensures a significant level of public support before proposed measures can be placed on the ballot for consideration.

Understanding the rationale behind this requirement is important; it reflects a balance between allowing citizens to engage in the legislative process through direct democracy and ensuring that enough public interest exists for the initiative to warrant further consideration by the electorate. The determination of the percentage is designed to ensure that only those initiatives which have a reasonable level of support can proceed, preventing frivolous or unpopular measures from consuming governmental resources and ballot space.