Proposition C, which is on Missouri's Aug. 3 primary ballot, asks voters whether Missouri should be able to opt out of federal health-care reform, specifically the mandate for individuals to buy health insurance. The Beacon, through our Public Insight Network, asked readers how they are likely to vote on this measure. Here are excerpts from some of their responses. (Read the Beacon's companion article: With Prop C, Missouri voters will be first in nation to weigh in on health-care reform.)

Brian Luitjohan, St. Charles, a Republican, supports Proposition C.

He believes the new federal health-insurance law "will affect us all by bankrupting our country, decreasing the quality of health care, limiting health-care freedoms and marginalizing life. I am disgusted with the bill and the representatives who voted for it against the will of the majority of Americans."

Jennifer Bersdale, St. Louis, a Democrat, opposes Proposition C.

"First, I support the Affordable Care Act. Second, the proposition is legally meaningless."

Annette Read, Chesterfield, an Independent, supports Proposition C.

"It's beyond me why anyone would vote against it, seeing that they can still have federal health care if they choose but won't be forced to buy it either. Either ignorance or they hate freedom."

John Hunziker, St. Louis, a member of the Socialist Workers Party, opposes Proposition C.

"It's an attempt to avoid providing health care to those who need it most."

George Beck, Creve Coeur, a Republican, opposes Proposition C.

"As with the requirement of insurance to operate a motor vehicle, I doubt there's a way to broaden access to affordable health-care coverage without some mandatory insurance features. Further, I doubt the penalties will be severe or enforced, but are intended to gently influence currently uninsureds to participate responsibly in the system."

Patricia Peeples, Kirkwood, a Democrat, supports Proposition C.

"I don't believe anyone should be held to the standards of the majority. Some people never see doctors. I would vote to negate all people's having to use medicine to stay well."

Barbara Martin, St. Louis, a Democrat, opposes Proposition C.

"I would vote against Proposition C because I believe everyone should have health insurance. All drivers must, by law, have car insurance. So why shouldn't citizens be required to have medical insurance? All of the money that I paid to United Health Care helped pay for someone to receive treatment. I feel that we should all pay into some medical health-care system. I am a taxpayer. Some of my tax money goes for the care of those who can't afford medical insurance. Let's all pay; and of course ... be penalized for not purchasing health-care insurance."

David Brown, Kirkwood, a Democrat, opposes Proposition C.

"The claims of the people who want Missouri to be exempted from the requirement to buy health insurance are uninformed. Anyone who opts not to buy health insurance should sign an agreement that they will refuse care if they are injured and have to go to the emergency room where, by law, they will receive medical attention."