Secretary of State wants to rewrite ballot language for new congressional map
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Secretary of State is asking a Cole County Judge on Wednesday for a chance to rewrite the ballot language for a referendum that would put the new congressional map on the November ballot.
This is the latest hearing in a string of lawsuits challenging the new congressional map that the General Assembly passed in a September 2025 special session. The map is likely to cut out U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Kansas City) from District 5 and flip his seat to Republicans.
Secretary of State Denny Hoskins' legal team is arguing the ballot title written is unfair and prejudicial because of the words "gerrymandered" and “protects incumbent politicians,” according to court documents.
Hoskins wrote the ballot language last year, after the group backing the referendum, People Not Politicians, submitted over 300,000 signatures to Hoskins for certification.
"Do the people of the state of Missouri approve the act of the General Assembly entitled 'House Bill No. 1 (2025 Second Extraordinary Session),' which repeals Missouri’s existing gerrymandered congressional plan that protects incumbent politicians, and replaces it with new congressional boundaries that keep more cities and counties intact, are more compact, and better reflects statewide voting patterns?"
People Not Politicians attorney Chuck Hatfield argues the state needs to change specific sections of the ballot language, but shouldn't be able to rewrite the whole question.
Hatfield wants to bring in the director of elections, Chrissy Peters, to the Secretary of State's Office for questioning, which Hoskins' attorney is challenging. Hatfield wants to know how Hoskins came up with the description of the map as keeping more cities together, is more compact and reflects voter patterns.
Hoskins' attorney, Kathleen Hunker, argues the new 2025 congressional map and the 2022 map should be the only things used in court.
The deposition of Peters is scheduled for Thursday. However, that could change if Judge Brian Stumpe rules in favor of the state, which would skip the deposition and go straight to trial Monday.
Stumpe said he would make his decision by Wednesday afternoon.
Check back for updates.
