Missouri's Congressional Map and State Constitution Changes: A Threat to Democracy?

By Jason Hancock, Missouri Independent (September 9, 2025)

In a recent development that has sent shockwaves throughout the state of Missouri, lawmakers have introduced bills aimed at creating a gerrymandered congressional map and rendering the state's initiative process virtually unusable. This move is seen as a significant threat to democracy, as it would give politicians more control over the electoral landscape and limit the power of citizens.

Gerrymandering: A Time-Honored Practice with Dark Consequences

For decades, gerrymandering has been used as a tool by lawmakers to manipulate electoral districts in their favor. The practice involves drawing district boundaries in a way that maximizes the number of votes for one party while minimizing those for another. This can lead to an imbalance of power and disenfranchise certain groups of citizens.

In Missouri, the current congressional map has been criticized for its partisan bias. Democrats argue that it was drawn with the intention of protecting Republican incumbents, while Republicans claim that it is a fair representation of the state's diverse population. However, experts argue that the map is indeed biased in favor of Republicans and would likely produce similar outcomes to previous elections.

The Impact on the State Constitution

Another bill introduced by lawmakers aims to make significant changes to Missouri's constitution through the initiative process. The current system allows citizens to propose amendments to the state constitution through a petition, which must be certified by the Attorney General before it can appear on the ballot. However, this new bill would require any proposed amendment to be approved by both chambers of Congress and then put to a national referendum.

This move is seen as an attempt to limit the power of citizens and further entrench partisan control in the state legislature. Critics argue that it would effectively shut down the initiative process, which has been used to pass numerous reforms and ballot initiatives over the years.

The Consequences for Democracy

The introduction of these bills raises significant concerns about the future of democracy in Missouri. If passed, they would:

• Strengthen partisan control: By creating a gerrymandered congressional map and making it virtually impossible to change the state constitution through the initiative process, lawmakers would be able to consolidate power and limit opposition.
• Disenfranchise citizens: The new bills would effectively reduce the power of citizens to participate in the democratic process, as they would have limited ability to propose or vote on constitutional changes.
• Undermine trust in institutions: If these bills become law, it could further erode trust in government and institutions, leading to decreased civic engagement and participation.

The Importance of Civic Engagement

In light of this development, it is essential for citizens to remain engaged and informed about the democratic process. Here are some ways to stay involved:

• Stay informed: Stay up-to-date on local news and developments that may impact your community.
• Get involved: Attend public hearings, join advocacy groups, and participate in local politics to make a difference.
• Contact your representatives: Reach out to your lawmakers and express your opinions on issues that matter to you.

Conclusion

The introduction of these bills is a significant threat to democracy in Missouri. By taking action, citizens can help protect their right to participate in the democratic process and ensure that their voices are heard. Stay informed, get involved, and contact your representatives to make a difference.

Recommendations for Action

To address this issue, we recommend:

• Voting: Exercise your right to vote in all elections and express your opinions on issues that matter to you.
• Contacting lawmakers: Reach out to your representatives and express your concerns about the bills introduced by lawmakers.
• Getting involved: Attend public hearings, join advocacy groups, and participate in local politics to make a difference.

Sources

• Missouri Independent
• https://www.missouriindependent.com/
• https://www.missourinet.com/