At least three parties ask judges for expedited decision on the new congressional map
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
At least three lawsuits ask Missouri judges to quickly decide on redistricting cases ahead of the candidate filing date of Feb. 24.
This follows some confusion as to which congressional map is currently in effect. Secretary of State Denny Hoskins said the new congressional map took effect on Dec. 11.
However, a couple of days earlier, a group backing a referendum to get the new map on the 2026 ballot turned in signatures and claimed the new map is suspended until either Hoskins denies the validity of the referendum or voters decide on it.
The new congressional map is likely to flip U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver's (D-Kansas City) district to Republican.
At least three lawsuits filed in separate circuit courts argue that a judge needs to clear up the confusion so that there's clarity for candidates running for congressional districts and voters in those districts.
Two lawsuits were filed in Jackson County. One argues that the new map is unconstitutional because it places one precinct in two districts, and the other argues that the new map isn't compact.
These lawsuits are set for a four-day trial starting Jan. 26, according to a court document. Both parties have requested a decision before the filing period opens.
The third lawsuit was filed by a group of four voters across the state, with all but one voter landing in a different district under the new map.
The voters argue redistricting mid-decade is unconstitutional, and a Cole County judge ruled in favor of the state, saying the Missouri Constitution doesn't expressly prohibit mid-decade redistricting.
The voters are appealing that decision, and asking a Missouri Supreme Court judge to decide on the case so that voters and candidates know which district they're in, according to a court document.
A spokesperson from the Secretary of State's Office told ABC 17 News on Thursday that the new map is in effect, and the office is waiting on map data from the Missouri Office of Administration.
