In Missouri, efforts are intensifying to challenge a controversial redistricting plan that critics say favors the GOP. Missouri’s Secretary of State, Denny Hoskins, has recently added regulatory hurdles for a “people’s veto” aimed at overturning the new gerrymandered map. This petition process comes after Governor Mike Kehoe signed a law that divides Kansas City into multiple districts, affecting its predominantly Black communities.
Background on Missouri’s Gerrymandering Controversy
The law signed by Governor Kehoe significantly alters the political landscape by eliminating one of Missouri’s Democrat-friendly districts. Unlike similar situations in Texas, the Missouri Constitution allows voters to initiate a referendum to oppose such legislation. Organizers must gather over 106,000 valid signatures from at least 5% of voters in two-thirds of the state’s congressional districts by December 11.
Secretary of State’s Actions
On September 10, 2025, Secretary of State Denny Hoskins officially approved the referendum petition. However, he voiced concerns that some signatures already collected were invalid, calling this a “misdemeanor election offense.” Despite approving the petition, Hoskins emphasized that he retains the authority to disapprove the referendum should any “statutory or constitutional deficiencies” arise.
Organizers’ Response
Organizers from the group People Not Politicians strongly criticized Hoskins. They described his claims as “false and misleading,” arguing that the only requirement is to submit a cover sheet before signature collection begins. Richard von Glahn, Executive Director of People Not Politicians Missouri, stated, “We will not be intimidated or distracted,” reaffirming their commitment to seeing the referendum through.
Signature Collection Efforts
- More than 2,400 volunteers are actively working on this initiative.
- As of now, over 100,000 signatures have been gathered from voters upset about the redistricting.
- Previous attempts to block the petition faced rejection, particularly from Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, who had questioned its legality.
This ongoing situation illustrates the tension between Missouri voters seeking fair representation and state officials attempting to uphold the newly drawn districts. If successful, the referendum could allow Missourians to exert their constitutional rights and influence the state’s political future.
