Missouri Supreme Court puts congressional map question, IP reform question on November ballot

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Supreme Court handed down its opinions on three cases it heard arguments from on Wednesday.

In the highly debated saga that had challenged the “Missouri First” congressional map that was signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe last year, the court ruled that People Not Politicians successfully made their arguments and will let Missouri voters decide on the map in November.

The congressional map created in 2022 would be in force for the upcoming November election.

The 2025 map was met with criticism with claim that it was gerrymandered in favor of Republicans ahead of the midterms.

A second case revolving around the number of signatures that were gathered for that petition was dismissed as a moot case because it was certified as sufficient.

Additionally, the court also unanimously agreed with People Not Politicians to put Amendment 6 on the ballot. If approved, the amendment would solidify Missouri’s initiative petition process.

Boone County Clerk Brianna Lennon told ABC 17 News in a text message that she expects an appeal to happen.

“I expect that they will appeal to the federal courts, but I don’t know that that will have any impact. The interpretation of the cases is pretty clear - Amendment 6 and Proposition 1 will appear on the ballot. We will use the old maps,” she wrote.

Shortly after, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced her intent to appeal the case to the Supreme Court.

"Never before in American history has a court overturned a congressional map after a primary and before a general election. This unprecedented decision clearly violates federal law and has thrust our state into a full‑fledged constitutional crisis," Hanaway was quoted in a statement. "Our office will move immediately to seek relief from SCOTUS. We are confident that the federal courts will not allow every Missouri voter to be disenfranchised—which is what today’s decision does.

People Not Politicians encouraged voters to vote against Proposition A.

"This is what democracy looks like, the people of Missouri demanded a voice, and the court just confirmed what we’ve been saying all along. People, not politicians, will have the final say,” Richard von Glahn, Executive Director of People Not Politicians Missouri, said in a statement. “This victory reaches beyond Missouri. In a year when map-drawing has become a national weapon, courts across the country are watching what happens here. A Missouri win for the referendum is a signal that the people still hold the power.”

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