Could Missouri redraw congressional districts again?

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - Missouri’s congressional map might not be settled: Republicans are eyeing St. Louis next, but November’s vote could make that a lot harder.

Missouri Republicans have eyed Congressional District 1 since the U.S. Supreme Court decided race-based districts are unconstitutional, according to Gov. Mike Kehoe. The district encompassing St. Louis is majority-minority, meaning it is mostly made up of people of color.

“That court decision likely does trigger some additional discussion here in Missouri,” Kehoe said.

The issue affects the entire state, even for those outside St. Louis, because the whole state could be changed even if only one district is targeted.

Missourians will vote on both Amendment 6 and Proposition A, the new congressional map, this November. Early voting starts Oct. 20.

Asked whether the General Assembly should take another look at Congressional District 1 now that the U.S. Supreme Court has spoken out against race-based districts, Kehoe responded.

“Since that opinion came down just a few months ago, there’s no guessing what the general assembly will file as far as bills once the session starts, but my guess is that will be part of the conversation,” Kehoe said.

The path forward may depend on a vote in November. If voters pass Amendment 6, it would take a supermajority of lawmakers to change any voter-approved policy, including the map voters will pick in November.

That means no changes without bipartisan support until the next census.Amendment 6 asks Missouri voters to decide whether to make it harder for state lawmakers to change laws passed through the initiative petition process. Amendment 6 would require approval from 80% or more of both the Missouri House and Senate to change any law passed by voters through initiative petition.

The ballot question will read:“Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

expand the initiative and referendum petition process by making it a fundamental right;

• allow courts to revise ballot summaries through lawsuits;
• prohibit the legislature from weakening initiative or referendum powers;
• prohibit the legislature from changing or repealing laws enacted through the initiative process, or passing laws similar to those rejected by referendum, without approval from at least 80% of both chambers; and
• preserve existing majority vote and signature requirements for initiative and referendum petitions?

State and local governmental entities estimate no costs or savings.”

“If you are not trying to grab power and manipulate elections for one party’s benefit or the other, I think it’s quite reasonable to think you could come together on a bipartisan solution about what are districts that are fair and empower voters,” said Richard von Glahn with People Not Politicians.

Von Glahn said requiring some bipartisan support creates equitable legislation.

“When one party tries to engage in a power grab and takes a map drawn in DC and tries to hoist it on the people of Missouri, I think that’s why you’ve seen the people of Missouri stand up to that,” von Glahn said.

Kehoe hopes to see voters support the map drawn in 2025.

“So the Missouri First map has been out there for a year, people have had a chance to look at it, they’ve got candidates running in those districts. I think it’s the map that represents what a constitutional congressional map should look like the best,” Kehoe said.

On Proposition A, a yes vote is for the 2025 map and a no vote is for the 2022 map. The question on your ballot will read:“Official Ballot Title:

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 congressional plan, and replaces it with new congressional boundaries that keep more counties intact?

State and local governmental entities estimate no costs or savings.

Fair Ballot Language:

A “yes” vote will approve the act of the General Assembly entitled “House Bill No. 1 (2025 Extraordinary Session),” which redraws the congressional district boundaries.

A “no” vote will leave in place the congressional district boundaries enacted in 2022.

If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.”

To report a correction or typo, please email digitalnews@ky3.com. Please include the article info in the subject line of the email.