Missouri Supreme Court sides with people power on congressional map

“In a unanimous decision, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled in favor of people power by suspending the politician-gerrymandered congressional map and approving Proposition A’s placement on the November ballot, allowing Missourians to decide the future of the state’s congressional boundaries. Health Forward Foundation applauds this decision and the unwavering efforts of Missourians across the state who worked to ensure voters can exercise their constitutional right to be heard.

“Today’s ruling affirms the strength of our democracy. It affirms the balance of power. When the legislature gets it wrong, our courts and the public are there to make things right. After nearly a year of persistent organizing by hundreds of thousands of concerned citizens and groups across the business, labor, nonprofit, and faith communities, Missourians delivered a clear message: we refuse to go backwards to a time when politicians draw district lines based on race. We are heading into November with the power to decide the future of our state and our communities.

“This ruling upholds what Health Forward has said since day one: the referendum process is foundational to Missourians’ power to hold elected officials accountable.

“The politician-drawn map distorts representation for Kansas City voters and surrounding rural Missourians alike. Fair representation that reflects the communities it serves is a health equity issue. When communities are denied a voice in who represents them, they lose the ability to advocate for the policies and resources that shape their health and well-being. History shows that, when given the opportunity, people vote for policies that positively affect health outcomes. Today’s court ruling makes clear that Missourians – not politicians – hold that power.

“This is not a milestone we can take for granted – we have worked too hard to stop or slow down now. We are confident that the people of Missouri will carry this victory to the polls on November 3 and vote no on Proposition A to cement people power in Missouri.”

McClain Bryant Macklin, Chief Policy and Impact Officer