A third US Supreme Court showdown looms over Missouri’s shifting congressional map

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — The legal battle over Missouri's congressional map has reached the U.S. Supreme Court for a third time in less than a month as federal judges maintain that a new map, favored by President Donald Trump, should be used for the November elections. The Missouri Supreme Court ruled on September 3 that the new map cannot be implemented until voters approve it in a statewide referendum.

However, the Republican Secretary of State rejected the petition, stating that congressional redistricting petitions are not allowed. The state Supreme Court disagreed, stating that the referendum prevented the new map from taking effect, making the August primary held under outdated districts. The U.S. Supreme Court, so far, has not agreed, allowing the Missouri Supreme Court's decision to stand.

A three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Monday that congressional districts cannot be changed between the primary and general elections, citing the two-year term requirement for U.S. House members and the potential for confusion among voters. The court directed a federal judge to prohibit Missouri from using any districts other than those used in the August primary.

Opponents of the new map plan to appeal the latest decision, while supporters have cited the Purcell principle, arguing that the courts should not change voting or election rules too close to an election.