A battle for fair representation is unfolding in Missouri, and it's a fight that has thousands of voters up in arms.
In a move that has sparked controversy and united an unlikely alliance, a group called People Not Politicians Missouri is taking on the state's new congressional map. This map, drawn up by the Republican-dominated legislature, has sparked a wave of protest and a determined effort to put it to a vote.
'A Resentment Among Voters'
Leann Villaluz, a passionate advocate for this cause, has been going door to door in Kansas City, gathering signatures for a petition. She speaks of a sense of resentment among voters, even those who aren't typically politically active.
"We have to step up because our representatives aren't doing their job. They think we don't know what's best for ourselves."
This sentiment is shared by many, as Missouri becomes the second state, after Texas, to gerrymander its congressional map. President Donald Trump's nationwide redistricting battle, which began in July, has set off a chain reaction, with multiple other states, including North Carolina, Indiana, Florida, Ohio, and Kansas, potentially following suit.
The New Map and Its Targets
Missouri's new map, signed into law by Republican Governor Mike Kehoe, aims to shift the balance of power. The state currently has six Republicans and two Democrats in Congress, but the new plan specifically targets the seat of longtime Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II in Kansas City.
Villaluz and her team of around 3,000 volunteers are working tirelessly to overturn this map. If they can gather over 106,000 signatures by December 11, a referendum will be added to the 2026 ballot, allowing voters to decide whether to keep or reject the map.
"Everyone I've spoken to is excited to sign. It's about ensuring our votes count and aren't diluted."
A Legal and Political Battle
But it's not just about signatures. People Not Politicians Missouri is also facing pushback from top state election officials. Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has filed a lawsuit, arguing that a referendum on redistricting violates both the U.S. and Missouri constitutions.
Secretary of State Denny Hoskins initially rejected the group's petition but later approved it, only to claim that signatures gathered before his approval date are invalid. Hoskins states that the process must follow the law, not out-of-state agendas or confusion campaigns, reflecting Missouri's values of fairness and integrity.
Richard von Glahn, the executive director of the group, accuses Hoskins of spreading misinformation for political gain. According to the state constitution, they were within their rights to start gathering signatures before the secretary of state's approval.
A Progressive Fight
Rebeca Amezcua-Hogan, a plaintiff in a separate lawsuit, seeks to block Hoskins from using the map for congressional elections. She believes mid-decade redistricting without a new census is unconstitutional and would dilute her voting power.
"I would feel unrepresented. For the issues close to my heart, it would be incredibly discouraging."
Amezcua-Hogan, running as a progressive for the Kansas City Council, is also gathering signatures for the referendum while campaigning. She believes splitting Kansas City into three districts will make it even harder to compete for federal resources, exacerbating existing challenges in housing, mental health, and transportation.
A Divided Republican Party
While the new map easily passed the Republican-dominated Missouri Legislature, it wasn't without opposition from within. Fifteen Republicans, including the speaker of the Missouri House, Jon Patterson, voted against it. These Republicans represent areas targeted by redistricting or those that would be moved into new districts.
"I heard from a few constituents who wanted me to vote in favor, but almost everyone else was opposed. My job is to represent my district, not the party or the president. It's about the 39,000 people I represent, and their will is my responsibility."
The Fight Continues
Villaluz plans to keep gathering signatures for the next two months, determined to put redistricting on the ballot and potentially reverse the gerrymandered map. She believes Missouri is being used as a test case by the GOP, but voters won't stand for it.
"They think they can get away with more here, but Missourians are smarter than that. We'll have the last word."
This battle for fair representation is a complex and emotional issue, with legal and political battles unfolding. It's a story of power, representation, and the voice of the people. What do you think? Should voters have the final say in redistricting? Share your thoughts in the comments!
