Missouri Sec. of State Blocks Public Vote on New Congressional Map, Lawsuit Filed
Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins has blocked a public vote on the state's new congressional map, ruling a referendum petition unconstitutional and thus ineligible for the November ballot. This decision has led to an immediate lawsuit filed by the…
Columbus, OH, August 6, 2026 —
Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins has ruled that a public referendum on the state’s newly drawn congressional map will not appear on the November ballot. Hoskins declared the petition seeking a public vote unconstitutional, effectively blocking the measure.
In response to the decision, the petition organizers, a group known as People Not Politicians, have filed a lawsuit against the Secretary of State’s office. The group contends that the Missouri Constitution does not prohibit referendums on redistricting matters. The legal challenge is expected to focus on the interpretation of the state’s constitutional provisions related to referendum powers.
Hoskins also rejected a second proposed amendment that was part of the same petition effort. This amendment aimed to protect changes made to the initiative process. Similar to his ruling on the congressional map referendum, Hoskins cited constitutional concerns as the basis for rejecting this proposed amendment as well.
The controversy centers on whether citizens have the right to a referendum vote on legislative actions such as the creation of new congressional districts and alterations to the initiative process, and how the Missouri Constitution addresses these rights.
Story summarized from the original created by Rudi Keller on ohiocapitaljournal.com, see more information here.
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