Everything you need to knock doors, work a phone bank, and turn out a NO vote on Amendments 4 & 5.
It lets politicians phase out the income tax by raising sales taxes on almost everything — groceries, gas, utilities, repairs, even healthcare. The rate could climb past 18%. The wealthy pay less; working families and retirees pay more. Vote NO.
It forces citizen ballot measures to pass in all 8 congressional districts, giving one district veto power over the whole state — the same process we used to raise the minimum wage and win paid sick leave. Vote NO.
July 8 through the August 4 Primary. Show up to any location — no experience needed, training and materials provided.
Retirees reaching fellow retirees. Weekly on Wednesdays, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM. Lunch is provided.
Short, true, and easy to repeat at the door. Lead with the pocketbook.
Keep it warm and short. You're a neighbor and a union member — not a telemarketer.
"Hi, I'm ___, a volunteer with IBEW Local 1 here in the neighborhood. I'm not selling anything — I just wanted to talk about two amendments on your August 4th ballot."
"Amendment 5 could push the sales tax past 18% on almost everything — groceries, gas, even healthcare. And Amendment 4 makes it harder for regular people to pass anything at the ballot box. Both are bad deals for working families and retirees."
"Can we count on you to vote NO on 4 and NO on 5 on August 4th?" (Then pause and let them answer.)
"Great — the election is Tuesday, August 4th. Here's a flyer with the details. Thanks for your time!" If they're unsure, leave the flyer and thank them anyway. Never argue.
Here's how to respond when someone pushes back — stay calm, agree where you can, then pivot to the facts.
Agree, then reframe:
"I get the appeal — nobody likes the income tax. But they don't make up the money by cutting spending; they make it up by taxing everything you buy. To replace the income tax, the sales tax could climb past 18%. For most working families that's a tax increase, not a cut."
"Actually it's the opposite. Nearly 90% of Missourians over 65 already pay little or no state income tax — Social Security and most pensions are already exempt. So Amendment 5 gives retirees almost nothing back, but taxes everything you buy: groceries, medicine, utilities. On a fixed income, that really adds up."
"That's the pitch, but Amendment 5 doesn't even say what gets taxed or how high — it's a blank check for the legislature. And gutting 65% of the state's revenue means real cuts, including up to $1.4 billion from public schools. That's not a recipe for a stronger Missouri."
"If that were all it did, we could talk. But the real change is requiring citizen measures to pass in all 8 congressional districts — so one district can veto what the whole state wants. And it only applies to the people's initiatives, not to the politicians' own amendments. It's about taking power away from voters."
"Fair question. This isn't just us — AARP is warning that Amendment 5 means higher costs for seniors, and the Missouri AFL-CIO opposes both. We're knocking doors because these two hit our members, our families, and our neighbors square in the wallet."
"Totally understand — this one's simple though. Two amendments, both bad for your wallet: NO on 4, NO on 5, on August 4th. Can I leave you this flyer so you have the date? It only takes a few minutes to vote."
All materials and assistance can be provided — just ask your steward or the hall.
Every door you knock and every call you make gets us closer to defeating Amendments 4 & 5 on August 4th.