Missouri Judge Blocks Voter Initiatives and Redistricting Referendum

Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green ruled Wednesday that two high-profile ballot measures will not appear on Missouri's November 3 general election ballot. The rulings uphold decisions by Denny Hoskins, the Secretary of State, who blocked the proposals despite evidence that they gathered the required signatures.

The first measure, Amendment 6, was proposed by Respect Missouri Voters to restrict the legislature's ability to alter voter-approved initiatives by requiring an 80% supermajority and statewide ratification. Judge Green ruled the initiative violates the state constitution's single-subject rule and the U.S. Constitution's anti-entrenchment principle, stating it "impermissibly constricts" the ability of future voters to reconsider laws. Respect Missouri Voters has appealed this decision to the Western District Court of Appeals.

The second measure, Proposition A, was a referendum led by People Not Politicians to repeal redrawn congressional maps. Judge Green rejected the request, agreeing with Hoskins that the state constitution does not permit referendums on congressional redistricting and that changing maps so close to the election is "impossible" to implement. This maintains maps that are expected to favor Republicans in seven of eight districts. People Not Politicians has appealed this ruling to the Missouri Supreme Court.

Both groups face a strict September 8 deadline for finalizing the November ballot. Hoskins praised the rulings, while opponents accused the state of intentionally delaying the process to create a timing crisis to prevent the measures from reaching voters.