Missouri Supreme Court says redrawn map must go on ballot

The Missouri Supreme Court has made a decision on the validity of a referendum related to the redrawn congressional map. The state's highest court unanimously ruled in favor of map opponents, determining that the map must go on the ballot for a public vote. "The referendum petition was legal, sufficient and timely, and the secretary incorrectly concluded otherwise," the ruling says. "HB 1 did not go into effect and will not go into effect unless and until approved by the voters." The Missouri Supreme Court said that the congressional redistricting established in 2022 "remains in full force and effect for the November 2026 general election." On Aug. 4, 2026, Secretary of State Denny Hoskins declared an attempted referendum insufficient despite necessary signatures. Hoskins said it wasn't about the signatures, and that the petition could have "500 million signatures," but the challenge itself would still be unconstitutional.