Missouri judge sets hearings on blocked ballot questions

A Cole County judge has scheduled hearings for next Tuesday regarding two legal challenges to decisions made by Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins. The challenges involve Hoskins’ decisions to block specific ballot questions sought by citizen groups.

One case involves a lawsuit against the blocking of a referendum on Missouri’s congressional map. A Republican coalition, including the Republican National Committee and the Missouri Republican State Committee, has been granted permission to intervene in the case to defend the Republican perspective. This legal battle centers on signatures gathered by the group People Not Politicians to challenge House Bill 1, which critics argue was passed to gerrymander congressional districts.

A second hearing will address the decision to block a constitutional amendment that would limit the legislature's ability to overturn ballot initiatives. A deadline of September 8 exists to determine if these questions will appear on the November ballot.