Missouri Secretary of State Declares Redistricting Referendum Petition Invalid
JEFFERSON CITY, MO - A petition seeking to put Missouri’s congressional redistricting map to a public vote has been deemed invalid by Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, escalating a battle over the state’s political boundaries. The decision throws into question the efforts of People Not Politicians, the group behind the petition drive, to challenge the current map adopted by the Missouri legislature.
The dispute centers on whether the group gathered enough valid signatures from registered Missouri voters to qualify for a ballot initiative. If accomplished,the referendum would allow voters to approve or reject the current congressional map,which critics argue unfairly favors one party. The outcome will significantly impact Missouri’s portrayal in the U.S. House of Representatives and the balance of power in Congress.
Richard von Glahn, leader of People Not Politicians, responded to the ruling by stating that the majority of their donors are Missouri residents.he emphasized that the signatures were collected by Missourians and the voters who will ultimately decide the issue will also be Missourians.
Von Glahn asserted the petition’s validity, citing a 1922 precedent where Missouri voters successfully repealed a congressional map that divided the state into 16 districts. “We know this to be the case because Missourians have used this exact process both throughout our history and specifically on this issue,” he said.
The Secretary of State’s office has not yet released the full details of its review, but the decision is likely to be challenged in court. The case could hinge on interpretations of Missouri’s constitution regarding citizen-led ballot initiatives and the requirements for signature verification.
