10/14/2026
VOTE NO ON AMENDMENT 1: Don't let a small minority lock in tax breaks for the wealthy.
On your ballot this fall, Amendment 1 asks whether to permanently change Iowa's Constitution. It would require a two-thirds supermajority in the Legislature to raise income taxes or create any new tax on income.
It sounds reasonable at first. But here's what it really does:
❌ It's minority rule. One "no" vote would count as much as two "yes" votes. Just 17 senators or 34 representatives could block the will of the majority, and of the Iowans they represent.
❌ It shifts the burden to working families. Amendment 1 only protects income taxes. Sales tax, property tax, fuel tax, fees, and tuition could all still go up with a simple majority. Guess which way lawmakers will turn when the budget is tight? Sales tax already hits families earning under $26,200 six times harder, as a share of income, than the top 1%.
❌ It puts our communities at risk. Over three-quarters of the state budget goes to education and health care. When revenue gets locked down, schools, child care, mental health services, water quality, and local property tax relief are the first things to be cut.
❌ It's a gift to corporate lobbyists. National groups backed by wealthy donors have pushed this plan for decades. Now they only need to win over a handful of legislators to protect their tax breaks.
❌ It solves a problem that doesn't exist. Iowa hasn't raised its income tax since 1975. Since then, the top rate has been cut six times, from 13% down to a 3.8% flat tax. Meanwhile, sales tax has doubled.
✅ A NO vote does NOT raise your taxes. It simply keeps things as they are, with decisions made by a democratically elected majority.
How to vote NO: Constitutional amendments are often printed on the back of the ballot, so turn yours over! Fill in the oval next to NO on Amendment 1.
Share this with your friends and family. Many people haven't heard about it yet. 💙
