Missouri Supreme Court seeks fast ruling on redistricting ballot measure

The Missouri Supreme Court has requested an expedited resolution from lower courts regarding a lawsuit that determines whether a congressional redistricting referendum will appear on the November 3 ballot. Chief Justice W. Brent Powell sent a letter to Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green emphasizing that state law requires the case to be heard and decided as quickly as possible to allow for potential appellate review.

The urgency is driven by a September 8 deadline, after which state law prohibits adding items to the ballot. The legal battle centers on an attempt to overturn a redistricting plan passed by the state Legislature, which opponents claim was gerrymandered to favor Republicans in the 5th Congressional District.

The dispute follows a decision by Secretary of State Denny Hoskins to block a referendum petition submitted by the political action committee People Not Politicians. Hoskins previously ruled that the Missouri and federal constitutions do not permit a referendum on a redistricting plan.