MO Secretary of State is still reviewing referendum to put 2025 congressional map on the ballot

By: Alison Patton

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) -- Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins has until Aug. 4 to certify or reject the referendum petition to put the 2025 Congressional map on the November ballot.

In a statement to ABC 17 News, Hoskins said the 2025 map is the "law of the land."

"I am still verifying and certifying the signatures of the referendum and will have that work completed by the August 4 constitutional deadline. I am also continuing to research the constitutionality of a referendum on a congressional redistricting map," Hoskins wrote in an email.

The group backing the referendum, People Not Politicians, claim they already have enough signatures.

"We are over 6,000 signatures more than what is needed in all six congressional districts, so we're just waiting for Denny Hoskins to do his job," PNP executive director Richard von Glahn said.

If Hoskins certifies the referendum, then it goes in front of voters on the November ballot, but certifying the referendum means that Missouri's current congressional districts go back to the 2022 map, which could raise questions about whether the August election was held legally.

"What that means legally, we don't know yet," Boone County Clerk Brianna Lennon said. "So, that will be something played out in court if that happens."

If it isn't certified -- which is what von Glahn said that's what he's preparing for -- then PNP will take Hoskins' decision back to court.

"If he issues a certificate of insufficiency and we challenge that, that is supposed to go to the top of the docket in Cole County," von Glahn said.

Lawmakers passed the 2025 congressional map during a special session for redistricting, and it has been challenged multiple times in court. Missouri courts have upheld the map, and the state's legal team has stalled court cases, trying to drag it out.

Although von Glahn said he is confident a Cole County judge will be swift in carrying out a decision if PNP takes Hoskins to court between the August and November elections, there could be delays.

"Now, whether or not there are nefarious actors who seek delay and instead of resolution, I'm quite certain there will be," von Glahn said.

He also said PNP will know next steps once Hoskins makes a decision.

Lennon said the last day to add anything to the November ballot is Sept. 8.