Missouri rejects citizens’ bid for vote on Trump-backed redistricting plan

Missouri's Republican Secretary of State, Denny Hoskins, has rejected a citizens' petition for a referendum on the state's new congressional redistricting plan. Supporters submitted hundreds of thousands of signatures to allow voters to decide on the map, which was approved by the Republican-led legislature and backed by Donald Trump. Hoskins stated the petition was void because congressional redistricting plans are not subject to voter referendums under Missouri law. The group backing the referendum, People Not Politicians Missouri, plans to contest the decision in court. Hoskins also rejected a separate ballot measure aimed at strengthening citizen initiatives, citing constitutional prohibitions.

Missouri's Secretary of State, Denny Hoskins, has rejected a citizens' petition for a statewide referendum on new congressional districts. Supporters of the referendum submitted over 300,000 signatures to challenge a map approved by the Republican-led state Legislature, which aims to benefit the GOP. Hoskins stated that congressional redistricting plans are unconstitutional under Missouri law and cannot be subject to voter referendums. A group backing the referendum, People Not Politicians, plans to challenge this decision in court. The new map, already in use for primaries, notably alters the Kansas City-based 5th Congressional District to favor Republicans. This decision comes after a period of significant litigation surrounding Missouri's redistricting plan.