Missouri’s secretary of state has blocked a referendum effort that sought to give voters a chance to overturn the state’s newly redrawn congressional map. The map was adopted by Republican leaders and has been described in related coverage as being backed by President Donald Trump.
The referendum campaign was an effort to challenge the redistricting plan through the state’s initiative and referendum process rather than through the legislature. By rejecting the measure, the secretary of state determined that it could not proceed toward a public vote, preventing voters from directly deciding whether to retain or undo the congressional districts.
The decision has drawn opposition from Democrats and referendum supporters, who argue that the public should have an opportunity to review the map at the ballot box. Related reports indicate that the dispute has prompted a lawsuit, setting up a legal challenge over the secretary of state’s authority and the referendum’s eligibility to move forward.
Related Coverage
- Missouri election chief rejects bid to hold public vote on Trump-backed congressional districts
- Missouri redistricting referendum blocked by secretary of state, drawing lawsuit
- Missouri Says Voters Cannot Decide on Redrawn Congressional Districts
- Missouri GOP thwarts Democrats’ effort to undo their gerrymander