SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A legal battle is underway in Jefferson City after Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins blocked a citizen-led veto referendum aimed at overturning the state's newly drawn congressional district map.

Organizers gathered more than 300,000 signatures from voters across the state to put the redrawn map to a statewide vote. However, Hoskins refused to certify the petition, claiming the Missouri Constitution does not allow referendums on redistricting legislation.

In response, voting rights advocates filed a lawsuit in state court seeking to force the measure onto the November ballot.

The lawsuit argues that Missourians hold a clear constitutional right to challenge legislative acts at the ballot box through the veto referendum process.

 Judge hears arguments over Missouri voter rights amendment 

State officials contend that legislative redistricting is a duty reserved exclusively for lawmakers and is exempt from referendum challenges.

Because county election authorities face tight deadlines ahead of September ballot printing dates, state judges are fast-tracking the case to determine whether the measure can appear before voters.

Here in Springfield, residents say citizen petitions and referendums serve as an essential check on elected officials.

"Power to the people, because that's why we voted them in there," said Springfield resident Ashley Vanner. "So they should listen to us instead of just vetoing it altogether."

"I think it's very unfair because we have a right," added another Springfield resident, Chess Bridges. "We have a voice, and we don't get to use it because the politicians shut us down."

A ruling from state court is expected before final ballot deadlines approach in September. Stay with Ozarks First on-air and online at OzarksFirst.com for continuous updates as the legal process moves forward.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.