In a powerful show of civic engagement, over 300,000 voters in Missouri have signed a petition to challenge the recent GOP gerrymander. This grassroots effort is led by the advocacy group People Not Politicians, which aims to bring the issue to a statewide referendum.
Background of the Petition
The movement emerged after Missouri Republicans passed a gerrymandered congressional map in September 2025. This legislative action aligned with a national push from former President Donald Trump for Republican-controlled states to manipulate district maps ahead of the impending midterm elections.
Record Support for the Petition
With significantly more than the required 106,000 signatures to initiate a referendum, this grassroots campaign marks a pivotal moment in Missouri’s political landscape. The Missouri Constitution allows voters to enact a “citizen’s veto” against state legislation, empowering them to challenge the controversial gerrymander.
- Deliveries of signatures occurred on December 9, 2025.
- People Not Politicians organized approximately 2,000 volunteers for this endeavor.
- Campaign volunteer Elizabeth Franklin drove over 1,000 miles, collecting signatures from 25 counties.
Legal Challenges to the Gerrymander
This petition has triggered multiple legal challenges. A federal judge recently dismissed a case from the Missouri General Assembly that argued voters should not have the right to a referendum on redistricting. This ruling, however, does not guarantee a smooth path for the petition.
Potential Obstacles Ahead
The judge indicated that Secretary of State Denny Hoskins could reject the petition on constitutional grounds, adding uncertainty to the situation. According to state Solicitor General Louis Capozzi, allowing the referendum could lead to uninformed public influence on redistricting.
Next Steps for Advocacy Groups
People Not Politicians has called for a freeze on the new redistricting map until the Secretary of State makes a definitive ruling on the petition’s legality. The organization is monitoring developments closely, asserting that the map should remain frozen until an official resolution is reached.
- Potential timeline for the ballot measure: November 2026.
- Missouri Secretary of State plans to reject about 90,000 signatures based on prior evidence, a contentious decision that is also being legally challenged.
The advocacy group’s leadership remains committed to defending voter rights, expressing readiness to confront any further legal challenges. They are resolved to ensure that the democratic process is followed and that voters can have their say on Missouri’s redistricting map.
