The Missouri Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in three closely watched cases that could further define Missourians’ rights to place constitutional changes and other measures before voters through the initiative petition process.
At the center of the cases is a challenge to Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’ decision to block several petition measures from the Nov. 3 ballot, despite supporters submitting the required number of signatures. State law requires any ballot changes to be finalized by Sept. 8, meaning a ruling from the high court could come at any time.
One of the most significant cases involves a referendum effort by the group People Not Politicians seeking to overturn Missouri’s congressional redistricting map. The map, approved by lawmakers last year, split Kansas City into three Republican-leaning districts and was designed to increase Republican representation in Missouri’s congressional delegation.
Attorneys for People Not Politicians argued before the court that Missouri’s constitution gives citizens the right to challenge acts of the General Assembly through the referendum process.
“The plain language is that the people have the right to the referendum on any act of the General Assembly,” attorney Chuck Hatfield told the court.
Hoskins determined last month that the referendum could not appear on the ballot, a decision now under review by the state’s highest court. The campaign submitted more than 305,000 signatures in support of the referendum.
Missouri Solicitor General Louis Capozzi, representing Hoskins, argued that allowing the referendum to move forward could create confusion for the upcoming election, particularly if different congressional maps were used in separate elections this year.
Chief Justice W. Brent Powell questioned whether those concerns should determine the outcome, noting the court’s primary responsibility is deciding whether Hoskins lawfully rejected the referendum.
Outside the courthouse, about 200 referendum supporters rallied and urged the justices to allow voters to decide the issue.
People Not Politicians members rally outside of Missouri Supreme Court on September 2, 2026 (Missourinet photo)
The court also heard arguments in two related cases involving initiative petition rights and Hoskins’ handling of submitted signatures. Under Missouri law, no additions or removals can be made to the November ballot after Sept. 8, putting pressure on the court to issue a decision quickly.
A ruling is expected before next week’s deadline.
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