Missouri Voters Seek to Overturn Gerrymandered Congressional Map
Thousands of Missouri voters have begun collecting signatures for a petition that would allow the state's residents to decide on the fate of its newly gerrymandered congressional map. The effort, led by groups opposed to the Republican-controlled legislature's redistricting plan, aims to put the issue before voters in the next election.
Leann Villaluz, a volunteer collecting signatures around Kansas City, said she is driven by frustration with the state's elected representatives. "There's a sense of resentment, even among regular voters who aren't as involved," Villaluz stated. "We have to pick up the slack for representatives who have been elected to do their simple duty and carry out the will of the voters."
The Missouri legislature passed a new congressional map in August, which critics argue was designed to favor Republican candidates. The plan has been challenged by several groups, including the League of Women Voters and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), who claim it unfairly dilutes minority voting power.
Missouri is one of two states, along with Texas, that have redrawn their congressional maps in response to President Donald Trump's efforts to maintain control of the U.S. House after the 2020 census. The redistricting process has been contentious nationwide, with many critics accusing lawmakers of engaging in partisan gerrymandering.
Supporters of the new map argue it is necessary to reflect changes in population and demographics across the state. "The new map takes into account the growth of suburban areas and ensures that our congressional districts are more competitive," said a spokesperson for the Missouri Republican Party.
However, opponents counter that the plan is an attempt by Republicans to maintain their grip on power. "This map is a clear example of gerrymandering, where politicians are drawing lines to benefit themselves rather than serving the people," stated a representative from the League of Women Voters.
To overturn the new map, petitioners must collect over 160,000 signatures by May 2026. If successful, the issue would be placed on the ballot for voters to decide in the next general election.
The outcome of this effort remains uncertain, but it has sparked a heated debate about the role of politics in redistricting and the importance of voter participation in shaping their own representation.
*Reporting by Npr.*
