Missouri Supreme Court Weighs Redistricting Referendum for November Ballot

The Missouri Supreme Court is considering whether a referendum on congressional redistricting can be added to the November 3 ballot. The case arises after Secretary of State Denny Hoskins and Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green determined the proposed referendum was insufficient and unconstitutional.

Representing the political action committee People Not Politicians, attorney Chuck Hatfield argues that the Missouri Constitution allows referendums on any act of the General Assembly. He cites a successful 1922 redistricting referendum as legal precedent for the move.

State Solicitor General Lou Capozzi opposes the measure, arguing that the elections clause of the U.S. Constitution shields redistricting from such votes. Capozzi further claims that allowing a referendum at this stage would invalidate the results of the August 4 primary election and cause political chaos. The court must issue a ruling by next Tuesday to meet the legal deadline for finalizing the statewide ballot.