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Missouri secretary of state blocks referendum seeking to undo the GOP’s redrawn congressional map
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins refused to certify a referendum aimed at overturning the state's new GOP-drawn congressional map, citing its unconstitutionality under state and federal law.
- The referendum, backed by People Not Politicians Missouri, gathered over 300,000 signatures to challenge the map that altered a Democratic-held district, but Hoskins and other Republican officials argue such a referendum is prohibited.
- The decision is expected to face legal challenges, with opponents claiming officials have delayed the referendum process, while Hoskins maintains he is following the law and hopes courts will uphold his ruling.
- The new congressional map remains in effect for Missouri’s primary elections, with uncertainty about whether the state could revert to previous maps if courts allow the referendum.
- Attorney General Catherine Hanaway supports Hoskins’ position and has pursued legal action against the referendum effort, including requesting federal investigations into petition gatherers.
