Missouri redistricting

Secretary of State Denny Hoskins is appealing the order to use the same congressional maps as 2024 to the U.S. Supreme Court. State law sets Tuesday as the deadline for changes to the Nov. 3 ballot.

Cole County Judge Daniel Green ruled that without specific authorization, Missourians cannot vote on whether to overturn a federal congressional map.

Earlier this month, Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected a proposed referendum on the congressional redistricting map state lawmakers passed last year.

A Cole County judge granted the request Wednesday, despite concerns the move could delay a case that must be resolved before the November election.

Voters in 28 counties were assigned to new districts under the plan intended to boost GOP chances in the 5th District.

People Not Politicians wants a judge to compel Denny Hoskins to reject the redistricting referendum – and stop telling elections officials to implement a plan aimed at ousting Democratic Congressman Emanuel Cleaver.

While the decision is a loss for redistricting opponents, it does not necessarily mean the map passed last year will be in place for the 2026 election.

Only about 200,000 of the 300,000 signatures submitted to force a statewide vote on the gerrymandered congressional map are being checked. Backers of the referendum are less than 200 signatures short of making the ballot but want all signatures reviewed

The ruling Thursday marks a triumph for Republicans, who hope the new districts could help them win an additional seat.

People Not Politicians filed open-records requests to review the collected signatures and says the minimum number required for a statewide referendum should be validated by the Missouri secretary of state.