Springfield residents invested in the city’s proposed marijuana tax must be registered to vote by Wednesday in order to weigh in.
A special municipal election is set for Aug. 8, with only one issue on the ballot. Voters have the opportunity to decide whether the city of Springfield imposes an additional 3% sales tax on recreational marijuana. Revenues from this sales tax would go toward “public safety, mental health services, housing and substance abuse services,” according to the ballot.
Only Springfield residents are eligible to vote in the special municipal election. The deadline for voter registration is Wednesday, July 12.
Per the voter-approved constitutional amendment that legalizes recreational marijuana in Missouri, a statewide sales tax of 6% is added to all recreational retail sales. The amendment allows municipalities and counties to impose up to a 3% tax within their borders, if approved by local voters.
If Springfield residents vote in favor of the city’s proposed tax, marijuana consumers would pay a total 9% sales tax on all recreational marijuana products.
Springfield residents may register in the following ways:
- In person at the Office of the County Clerk in the Historic Courthouse at 940 N. Boonville Ave. Room 113 between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
- In person at any Missouri Department of Revenue vehicle license office or any branch of the Springfield-Greene County Library; or
- Mail in a postcard printed from the Missouri Secretary of State website, which will be accepted if postmarked by Wednesday, July 12.
A sample ballot is available on the Greene County Clerk’s Office website at vote.greenecountymo.gov/voting-information/#sample. (Full Story)