Missouri Congressional Redistricting Referendum Rejection Challenge
People Not Politicians v. Hoskins
A pro-voting lawsuit seeking to stop the Secretary of State from rejecting a referendum to veto Missouri’s new gerrymandered map.
Background
People Not Politicians, and its executive director, Richard von Glahn, filed a lawsuit in state court challenging the Republican secretary of state’s rejection of a ballot measure that would veto the GOP-controlled state legislature’s new gerrymandered map. Plaintiffs assert the secretary of state refused to process the referendum paperwork and declared already obtained signatures invalid because the governor had not signed the redistricting legislation. The lawsuit asserts violations of the state constitution and state law, and seeks to have the referendum approved and signatures properly processed without further interference from GOP officials.
Why It Matters
In September, Gov. Mike Kehoe (R) signed into law a new congressional map that dilutes the voting strength of Black voters in Kansas City. People Not Politicians has sought to obtain the 106,000 Missouri voter signatures required to put a “people’s veto” of the gerrymander on the statewide ballot. GOP officials in the state have sought to create obstacles for the ballot measure’s organizers — including filing a lawsuit of their own.
Latest Updates
- Nov. 10, 2025: A hearing is scheduled.
- Nov. 3, 2025: Trial will be rescheduled.
- Sept. 29, 2025: Plaintiffs filed their first amended complaint.
- Sept. 18, 2025: Plaintiffs filed their complaint.