What type of signatures are required for an amendment proposed by an initiative in Missouri?

In Missouri, an amendment proposed by an initiative requires signatures from registered voters in the state. This is crucial because it ensures that those who are signing the petition have the legal right to participate in the electoral process. The focus on registered voters helps prevent the potential for confusion or manipulation that could arise if non-registered individuals or citizens from outside the state were allowed to contribute to the signature count.

Registered voters are individuals who have taken the necessary steps to confirm their eligibility to vote, which includes meeting certain age, residency, and citizenship criteria set forth by Missouri law. This requirement makes certain that the voices being collected for the initiative reflect the interests of those who are actively engaged in the democratic process within Missouri. Other groups, such as non-registered individuals or residents from other states, do not have this same legal standing and therefore cannot influence local proposed amendments. This ensures that the amendment process remains firmly in the hands of Missouri's electorate.