The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for May 21, 2026
Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins told the Associated Press last December he would do “Everything I can to protect Gov. Kehoe’s Missouri First Map,” UNQUOTE. “Everything” apparently means slow-walking certification of a citizen ballot initiative aimed at overturning the map.
The new congressional map split Kansas City’s 5th Congressional District, a seat held by 11-term Democrat Emmanuel Cleaver, by diluting Black voting power to gain one GOP seat.
Pro-voter group People Not Politicians mounted a ballot initiative to repeal the map, but in January, a lawyer for the Secretary of State’s office admitted to a judge the state’s official description was QUOTE, “likely to create prejudice.”
Hoskins disqualified 103,000 of the 305,000 signatures submitted last December 9th as having been collected “too early.” Organizers say they have a minimum of 119% or more needed from each of Missouri’s congressional districts to qualify for the November ballot – districts which changed with the redistricting. State law allows signature verification up to Aug. 4th – nine months after Hoskins received the petitions. Hoskins said in a press conference he would take all of that time to check signatures.
People Not Politicians was back in court May 18th to compel Hoskins to complete the process, saying he was not acting in good faith.
We have more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Missouri Independent – Lawsuit asks judge to force decision on Missouri gerrymandering referendum
Columbia Missourian – St. Charles County election leader warns redistricting delay could threaten August primary
Missouri Independent – Denny Hoskins admits writing flawed ballot summary for Missouri gerrymandering referendum
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – (Jan. 2026)Missouri Secretary of State Tactics Attempt to Derail Citizen Repeal of Gerrymandered Congressional Map
American Democracy Minute – (March 2026) MO Supreme Court Upholds Legislature’s Mid-Decade Redistricting Authority, But a Pending Ballot Measure May Yet Invalidate its Map
Groups Taking Action:
People Not Politicians MO, Campaign Legal Center, ACLU MO
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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