Missouri’s Special Session was Called to Gerrymander Another GOP Seat, But There May Be More Voter Suppression Ahead

Brian Beihl

The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Sept. 4, 2025

We reported recently on the Missouri governor’s call for a special legislative session to gerrymander another GOP Congressional seat.  What didn’t make the headlines was the governor’s additional request to make the citizen ballot initiative process harder, and limit the power of the voters to check a hyperpartisan legislature.

In addition to heeding President Donald Trump’s call for states to gerrymander more GOP seats to offset anticipated 2026 midterm losses, Governor Mike Kehoe also requested more hurdles to pass a citizen ballot initiative and bypass the legislature.   Missouri’s constitution allows citizens to pass statues or constitutional amendments, or to veto bills passed by the legislature.  

In a statement, Governor Kehoe asked for legislation requiring that statewide ballot measures not only have the current 50 percent plus 1 majority of voters statewide, but also a majority of voters in each congressional district.  In conjunction with already gerrymandered congressional districts, that requirement could derail any attempts at overriding a rogue legislature.

Gov. Mike Kehoe’s proclamation calling for a special session. The full proclamation can be found here.

The governor’s request would also tighten signature gathering requirements, and add a public comment period BEFORE approval is given to collect signatures, thereby lengthening the qualification process.   

The news isn’t all bad, however.  Kehoe also asked for a ban of foreign contributions supporting initiatives, and to require the posting of an initiative’s full text at all polling places, not just a summary. 

We have more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.

Today’s Links

Articles & Resources:

Governor Mike Kehoe – Governor Kehoe Announces Special Session on Congressional Redistricting and Initiative Petition Reform
BallotPedia – Laws governing the initiative process in Missouri 
KSHB – Changes to initiative petition process may have more impact amid redistricting fight
KRCG – Nonpartisan coalition speaks out against Governor Kehoe’s congressional redistricting plan

Groups Taking Action:
Respect Missouri Voters, Ballot Initiative Strategy Center,  Missouri NAACP

Register or Check Your Voter Registration:

U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State

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