Missouri Secretary Blocks Congressional Map Referendum

Missouri’s top election official blocked a citizen-led effort to overturn the state’s new congressional map on Tuesday, August 4, setting the stage for a swift legal challenge as primary elections were held across the state. Republican Secretary of State Denny Hoskins refused to certify a petition for a statewide referendum, arguing that challenging a congressional redistricting plan is unconstitutional under Missouri law, despite organizers submitting more than 300,000 signatures.

Hoskins announced his decision at a press conference in Jefferson City on the same day as Missouri’s primary elections. He stated that the number of valid signatures was irrelevant because the referendum itself was “null and void.” The petition, spearheaded by the coalition People Not Politicians, sought to overturn a map passed by the Republican-led legislature nearly a year ago. That map, known as the “Missouri First” map, changes the state’s congressional delegation from a 6-2 Republican advantage to a 7-1 split by redrawing the Kansas City-based 5th Congressional District, long held by Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, to favor Republicans.

Organizers immediately vowed to sue. Richard von Glahn,...