JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Putting a repeal of voter-approved changes to Missouri’s legislative redistricting process on the ballot in 2020 remains a top priority for Republican legislative leaders.
The Kansas City Star reports that GOP lawmakers argue that voters were forced to swallow changes to the redistricting process that aid Democrats in order to enact popular ethics reform proposals such as a ban on lobbyist gifts.
Majority Republicans expect to try again next year after failing to repeal voter-approved changes to the redistricting process during the 2019 legislative session.
“I think it’s safe to say we will move on it very quickly,” said House Speaker Elijah Haahr, a Springfield Republican.
Supporters of the 2018 changes approved by 62% percent of voters say Republicans face stiff opposition.
“You’re going to see a lot of push back from the voters, who will make it clear that we said what we meant,” said Sean Nicholson, who helped lead the campaign for the 2018 amendment.
The 2018 amendment requires a nonpartisan state demographer to draw new legislative districts. A citizen commission will review the map and can only make changes if 70% approve.
Missouri’s 197 legislative districts previously were redrawn every 10 years by commissions appointed by Republican and Democratic committees and the governor.
