Missouri Referendum Petition Against New Congressional Map Submitted
Opponents of a newly drawn congressional map in Missouri have submitted over 300,000 signatures to call for a statewide referendum on the redistricting plan, which has received backing from former President Donald Trump. This move comes as Republicans seek to maintain a narrow majority in the U.S. House ahead of forthcoming elections.
Why It Matters
The potential referendum on Missouri’s congressional map not only highlights the contentious nature of redistricting but also illustrates a broader battle for political control as Democrats aim for a net gain of just three seats to seize control of the House. The outcome of this referendum could significantly impact the Republican strategy moving into the next election season.
Key Developments
- Signature Submission: Organizers report collecting more than 300,000 signatures, surpassing the 110,000 threshold required to suspend the new congressional map until a public vote can take place.
- Verification Process: The submitted signatures await formal verification by local election authorities and Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, who has claimed that the referendum process is unconstitutional.
- Scheduling: According to state law, if validated, the referendum will automatically be scheduled for the November election unless the General Assembly intervenes during its session starting in January.
- Legal Challenges: A series of lawsuits have emerged, challenging both the legality of the redistricting bill and the potential referendum, as Republicans aim to solidify their electoral advantage.
Full Report
Political Landscape and Tensions
The Missouri redistricting effort is part of a broader trend among Republican-led states to redraw congressional maps to their benefit, especially in the face of potential Democratic gains in the upcoming midterm elections. This follows former President Trump’s call for state legislatures to adopt new maps that could favor Republican candidates. Each House seat becomes vital, as Democrats only require three additional seats to take control.
Opposition Movement
The grassroots campaign supporting the referendum, titled People Not Politicians, has reportedly raised around $5 million largely from out-of-state organizations opposed to the Republican-backed map. In contrast, pro-redistricting groups backed by Republican forces have contributed more than $2 million.
Secretary of State’s Role
Secretary of State Denny Hoskins has raised questions about the legality of the referendum by contending that a significant number of the submitted signatures—approximately 100,000—were collected during a period when the referendum petition format had yet to be approved. Hoskins’s ballot summary, which suggests the new map rectifies existing gerrymandering, stands in direct contrast to the claims made by referendum supporters, leading to further legal scrutiny.
Ongoing Legal Battles
The matter is further complicated by a federal lawsuit filed by Republican Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, alleging that congressional redistricting cannot be subjected to a referendum. While a federal judge dismissed this suit, they indicated that the Secretary of State possesses the authority to unilaterally declare the petition unconstitutional, potentially spurring another court case.
Note: The last time Missouri held a referendum on congressional redistricting was in 1922, when a Republican-backed map was overwhelmingly rejected by voters.
Context & Previous Events
The ongoing debate surrounding redistricting in Missouri mirrors a broader national trend, with several states experiencing mid-decade redistricting efforts sparked by partisan influences. Other states, like Texas and North Carolina, have also undertaken similar redrawing to capitalize on Republican advantages. Legal disputes regarding redistricting measures are proliferating, complicating the landscape as various states navigate this contentious political issue.
