The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Sept. 8, 2026
JEFFERSON CITY, MO — In a unanimous vote, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled September 3rd that a ballot measure rolling back a gerrymandered 2025 congressional district map must be placed on the Nov. ballot. It directed that the 2022 maps be used in November, which the state has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
We’ve reported extensively on Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’ slow-walked decision on the eligibility of the citizen ballot initiative to overturn the map requested by President Trump. People Not Politicians Missouri submitted over 300,000 signatures to qualify in December 2025, but Hoskins waited until August, 4th, 2026 before declaring that the state constitution did not allow for ballot measures changing redistricting.
The Missouri Supreme Court voted unanimously that the state constitution did NOT prohibit a redistricting ballot measure. It wrote, “Because the plain language of article III, section 49 of the Missouri Constitution authorizes a referendum as to “any act of the general assembly” and no exception applies, the referendum petition was legal, sufficient, and timely,” UNQUOTE.
Late on Friday, September 4th, the state asked the U.S. Supreme Court for an emergency stay of the return to the 2022 maps, claiming it was too close to the election to change. It did not reference the Hoskins’ delay.
We have the state court’s decision, and the U.S. Supreme Court appeal at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Missouri Supreme Court – Decision in Richard von Glahn v. Denny Hoskins, in His Official Capacity,
Missouri Independent – Missouri Supreme Court blocks gerrymandered congressional map, orders referendum vote
U.S. Supreme Court – Emergency Stay Request in Denny Hoskins v. Richard von Glahn
Missouri Independent – Looming ballot deadline complicates GOP appeal of Missouri redistricting decision
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – Missouri SOS Still Apparently Scheming to Derail November Ballot Initiative to Overturn New Gerrymandered Congressional Map Splitting Kansas City
American Democracy Minute – Does the Missouri Constitution Allow Ballot Initiatives to Change Voting Districts? Updates on Epic Battle Over Racially Gerrymandered KC 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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