Jackson County’s Petition Fraud Problem Is Missouri’s Problem
When Missourians sign a petition to change our state constitution, every signature is supposed to count. One person, one voice. That is the deal.
But in Jackson County, that deal’s been broken.
Two different prosecutors decided that petition fraud is not worth enforcing.
That should outrage every voter in Missouri.
If local prosecutors will not defend the law, then who will?
The Jackson County Pattern: No Charges, No Accountability
Case One: Jean Peters Baker
You might remember Jean Peters Baker. She built a reputation for playing politics instead of enforcing the law, targeting law enforcement and perceived opponents.
In 2023, Baker was asked to handle a case involving the former mayor of Berkeley, Missouri. Investigators said election documents had been falsified. Instead of pressing charges, Baker made a quiet deal and let the accused walk away.
That’s not justice.
Case Two: Melesa Johnson
In October, Jackson County Prosecutor took to local media to declare that she would not prosecute anyone who signs the politician protection petition more than once. Her comments were unprompted and only encouraged her partisan allies to engage in fraud in order to qualify the measure.
She even acknowledged that double signing can violate Missouri law. But once again, no action. No accountability. If you do it in Jackson County, you won’t be prosecuted.
What the Law Actually Says
Missouri law is clear. Under §116.090 RSMo, forging or falsely signing a petition is a Class A misdemeanor. That can mean up to a year in jail and a fine of up to ten thousand dollars.
The Secretary of State’s petition guide reminds Missourians that fake signatures are a direct attack on the democratic process itself. But laws only work when prosecutors enforce them.
Why Amendment 4 Is the Fix Missouri Needs
This is where Amendment 4 comes in.
In 2026, Missourians can close these loopholes and make sure election integrity truly means something.
Amendment 4 would:
- Toughen penalties for petition signature fraud
- Ban foreign money from influencing Missouri ballot measures
- Require approval in each congressional district so every Missourian’s voice matters
- Give the Attorney General the power to prosecute when local prosecutors refuse
That last point is crucial. When a county like Jackson refuses to act, the state must be able to step in. Otherwise, one political prosecutor can hold the Constitution hostage.
If the people in power will not defend the rule of law, then the people of Missouri will.