On Friday, a Cole County judge ordered the removal of Clean Missouri from the upcoming November ballot. In addition to changing the redistricting process, Clean Missouri aims to limit lobbyist gifts to state politicians and lower campaign contributions.
The measure has gained approval of some citizen groups including the League of Women Voters of Missouri. At a Moberly press conference, Nancy Copenhaver said the League supports Clean Missouri because it aims to increase accountability in state government.
“Political and racial gerrymandering distorts and undermines representative democracy by allowing officials to select voters, rather than allowing voters to elect their officials,” Copenhaver said.
More than 200,000 Missourians have signed a petition to present the initiative to voters in the upcoming election.
“More competition and transparency will mean that more officials of any party will be more responsive to the needs of their entire districts,” Copenhaver said.
While the future is uncertain for Clean Missouri, Chuck Hatfield, an attorney for the campaign pushing the measure, is filing an appeal.