“Gerrymander This”

The right wingnut controlled Missouri General Assembly is proceeding with the gerrymandered early redistricting of Missouri’s congressional districts at the behest of Donald Trump (r). Fascists gotta Fascist:

103rd General Assembly, 2nd Extraordinary Session
HB 1 Creates provisions for redistricting federal congressional seats
Sponsor: Deaton, Dirk (159)
Proposed Effective Date: Varies
LR Number: 3344H.01P
Last Action: 09/08/2025 – Perfected (H)
Bill String: HB 1
[….]

Some of the submitted testimony to the Special Committee on Redistricting:

I oppose this power grab in an already gerrymandered state. Missouri overwhelmingly opposes the state passing harmful legislation and overturning voter approved bills. Embarrassing. History will not look kindly.

Gerrymandering is intentionally taking away the voice of the people. If we are a democracy, the voice of the people should be heard. Just as with our last election, our legislature has proven they do not care about their constituents or our votes. They only want power and control. Stop this nonsense, and start passing reforms to help everyday citizens.

I oppose this attempt to further marginalize the voices of non-Republicans in the state of Missouri. There is no moral or democratic reason for this mid decade redistricting. It is apparent that the Republican lawmakers are willing to silence the voices of Missouri citizens to follow the orders handed to them by a corrupt federal government.

This is an UNCONSTITUTIONAL call for gerrymandering. It is a blatant attempt to take away representation for Democratic voters. Democratic voters account for 40% of the vote in the state and already only have 25% representation. This will further dilute that representation to only 12%. This is anti-democratic!

There is no reason to redraw congressional districts; gerrymandering is unconstitutional and serves only to suppress the vote. There is no other legitimate and valid purpose. There is no compelling government interest that justifies this action. This is an arbitrary action that interferes with the fundamental rights of all citizens, regardless of political party.

Can we not bootlick a person in the Epstein files please? This is a distraction from the very real fact our sitting president was close friends with a pedophile…a pedophile and a rapist. And you scurry to do his bidding. Gross and embarrassing.

Members of the Committee,

I submit this testimony in opposition to the Governor’s proposed redistricting map. Article III, Section 3 of the Missouri Constitution establishes both the standards and the timing for redistricting.

First, Missouri’s Constitution makes clear that redistricting occurs only once every ten years following the U.S. Census, or if a court strikes down an existing plan. We are currently in the middle of the 2020 Census cycle, and no court has invalidated our maps. Attempting to redraw districts now has no constitutional basis and would directly conflict with the provisions of Article III.

Second, the Constitution requires that districts achieve partisan fairness and competitiveness. A map designed to guarantee a 7–1 congressional split grossly misrepresents Missouri’s statewide vote patterns, where Republicans typically receive about 57% of the vote and Democrats about 41%. Such an outcome would almost certainly exceed the 15% wasted-vote threshold and fail the responsiveness simulations required by our Constitution.

Finally, the Constitution requires that redistricting be carried out by the independent bipartisan citizens commission (or the judiciary if the commission fails), not by the General Assembly in special session. For these reasons, the mid-cycle timing, the fairness violations, and the improper process, I respectfully urge you to reject the Governor’s proposed map.

Thank you for your consideration.

I find it truly appalling and disheartening that the state I have called home for over 40 years is seeking to essentially negate the voices and will of 40% of its tax-paying citizens. It’s truly a travesty. No taxation without representation. I sincerely object as an American.

Supporting the out of schedule redrawing of congressional districts is a violation of the people of Missouri’s rights. This clearly an undemocratic attempt to prop the next election in favor of one party.

I stand in strong opposition to the redistricting plan proposed by Governor Kehoe and the Missouri Republicans. This legislation would leave Kansas City without meaningful representation, a clear violation of both the Missouri Constitution and the United States Constitution. The GOP received 58% of the statewide vote, yet they are attempting to take 7 of 8 congressional seats—87.5% of the representation. That is not democracy, it is gerrymandering. This plan will not survive constitutional scrutiny, and the inevitable litigation will waste millions of taxpayer dollars. Kansas Citians deserve representation, not disenfranchisement.

HB1 is a blatant attempt to redraw Missouri’s congressional map with no transparency, no public input, and no regard for the people it impacts. Maps should reflect real communities—not political calculations—but this proposal is nothing more than partisan and racial gerrymandering that silences voters in the 5th Congressional District and beyond. Redrawing maps mid-cycle is political gamesmanship that erodes trust in our democracy. Every person deserves to be heard, counted, and fairly represented—and HB1 denies Missourians that fundamental right by letting politicians choose their voters instead of voters choosing their representatives.

Redrawing Missouri’s district maps to heavily favor Republican voters, instead of representing a fair mix of how the Missouri populace actually votes is undemocratic and an insult to all voters of this great state. Coupled with the fact that Missouri’s current leadership does not want to abide by voter-passed initiatives, this new map is entirely self-serving and designed to make a stronghold where the people will never get a say again. The voters should choose its representatives, NOT the other way around.

This gerrymandering effort must not be allowed to move forward. Furthermore, if this map passes without a quorum, it is illegal and should be stricken.

I urge the committee to reject HB 1, the so-called “Missouri First Map,” an illegal and anti-democratic proposal designed to silence voters by rigging Congressional district maps solely for political leverage in advance of the 2026 elections.

The proposal would break up Kansas City and combine metro Kansas City with farmers over 250 miles away on the Illinois/Iowa border – making it harder for all of these communities to be fairly represented. Seven out of eight congressional districts would go to Republicans, even though Democrats make up about 40% of Missouri’s voters.

The Missouri Constitution says that Congressional redistricting only occurs every 10 years after the census. This accounts for population shifts to ensure that everyone’s vote counts. Missouri already did so after the most recent census — and rejected a 7-1 map like the proposal in front of you today. Redrawing lines mid-decade to split up voters’ ability to elect candidates of their choice violates our constitution.

Let’s be clear – this is about politicians choosing their voters, not voters choosing their representatives. And that’s just anti-democratic. This proposal is nothing more than an attempt to rig the 2026 elections before a single vote is even cast – at the behest of Washington DC, and at the expense of real Missourians.

Missourians across the political spectrum oppose this mid-decade redistricting. This proposal would silence hundreds of thousands of Missourians – pitting people against one another and breaking up communities instead of creating a system that works for everyone. Missouri lawmakers: Please stand up for your constituents and reject this effort to rig the district lines and split up our local communities.

Missouri is the show-me state. Please show your constituents and all Missourians that you care about their ability to make their voices heard fairly and reject this proposal.

As a voter, it is my constitutional right to be able to vote in my district without corrupt politicians and special interference groups interfering with my rights. Any and all involved in this scheme is openly anti-democracy and should be ashamed.

I urge the committee to reject HB 1, the so-called “Missouri First Map,” an illegal and anti-democratic proposal designed to silence voters by rigging Congressional district maps solely for political leverage in advance of the 2026 elections.

Missouri has had a Kansas City-based Congressional District since at least 1885, when a former Kansas City Mayor was elected to the post. Now Donald J. Trump, Governor Mike Kehoe and the GOP supermajority in Jefferson City want to break us up, destroying our traditional 5th Congressional
District and splitting Kansas City into 3 districts. We have been ably represented by Emanuel Cleaver II, another former Kansas City Mayor, since 2005. We cannot allow our community to be divided in an unprecedented mid-decade partisan gerrymander.

The plan developed is, of course, unconstitutional. “Districts shall be contiguous and as compact as may be.” This is not true of the GOP map, which spreads a portion of Kansas City into far west and southwest Missouri, comprising vast swaths of of rural areas, while the other district stretches beyond central Missouri into areas north and east of Columbia.

Communities shall be preserved. In this plan, they are not. One of Kansas City’s smallest and most diverse State House Districts would be in three Congressional Districts, not coincidentally dividing Kansas City’s sizable Latino Community.

Districts should follow political subdivision lines and split counties and county segments shall be as few as possible. In this plan, Jackson County is intentionally divided into three Districts, diluting the interests of our community in all three.

My home would be in the new 4th District, while 2 miles away, my neighbors east of Troost Avenue would be in the 5th, which includes Jefferson City and parts northeast of Columbia. The decision to utilize Troost Avenue is not coincidental- the GOP has intentionally utilized the disgraced ‘dividing line’ between Black and white Kansas City, enforced during the decades of de jure and de facto segregation.

This is a most cutting and offensive affront, especially to generations of civil rights leaders who have sought to tear down this Troost Avenue barrier.

Of course, using divisive boundaries like Troost Avenue immorally divides the City’s sizeable Black community, perpetuating segregation and the marginalization of minority and progressive communities.

This decision is wrong, morally bankrupt and, given the majority’s fealty to the whims of the President, likely to be rubber stamped by the General Assembly.

Kansas Citians will see you in court, and likely at the Ballot Box, to stop this illegal and unconstitutional GOP power grab!

The proposed redistricting plan will do nothing to further fair, free elections in the state of Missouri and will simply serve to hurt all Missourians by disenfranchising those in areas that have historically elected Democrats and also by reducing the incentives for Republicans in ‘safe’ districts to listen to their constituents as their districts are seen as even less competitive than they already are.

This power grab is unconstitutional, undemocratic, and unacceptable. The Missouri Constitution is explicit: redistricting happens after the Census, once per decade. There is no provision for redrawing maps “whenever it suits you.” To divide Kansas City, dilute Black and urban representation, and rig outcomes is a betrayal of your oath and an assault on the rights of every voter in this state.

I submit this testimony in opposition to HB 1. You are undermining the very values that US Democracy is built on by moving this bill forward. I’m embarrassed by this blatantly illegal power grab from our elected officials. You do not want this to be your legacy from your time in office.

Missouri has overturned the will of the people time and time again, and it’s time this ends. Missouri republicans are in the back pocket of a convicted felon, rapist, and authoritarian. I strongly oppose H.B. 1 and any other attempt to redraw Missouris congressional map before the 2026 midterm election. This will rob voters of their rights. This will rob the 40% of Missourians who vote democratic ticket. Voters should choose their representatives, not the other way around.

I am against anything against the well being of the working class

Missouri maps should not be determined by the President of the United States. This bill is an attempt by the majority party to pick their voters which is an undemocratic attempt to preserve the congressional majority in Washington. Listening to the hearing today, it’s clear there is no legitimate reason to change maps other than aquiesing to President Trump. We are not blind.

Representatives should be chosen by the voters and should actually work in the interests of voters. Communities don’t want this. We are tired of people not working in the best interests of people, but for themselves. As a veteran I am embarrassed of these leaders.

What in the world do you all think you’re doing?! It is only legal to redistrict immediately following a census. I’m not sure why you all think you make adjustments at the whim of an authoritarian president. I vehemently oppose this bill. The world is watching the US democracy collapse; Missouri does not have to contribute even more to its inevitability!

Elected officials should represent all constituents who reside in the state. I fear there will be a time that the state is turned into a battleground as it swings back and forth between parties rather than honoring one person one vote representing all of the people. Missouri is a state with priorities that differ region to region. All of the regions should be represented by people who can and will represent them. This attempt to silence opposing views is anti-democratic and anti-American. It diminishing the state.

I don’t support this. You should not either.

I could list all the reasons why redistricting Missouri in the manner is wrong. But you know them all
already.

I could call you out on the fact that this is a blatant power grab. But you know this, and you know we
know.

I could speak on all the ways you openly lie to your constituents and yourselves, because you’ve seen the playbook where lies are rewarded with power. You know.

I could state facts that are irrefutable regarding how your continued support of flawed policy and radically unpopular and undemocratic ideas are tearing apart our economy, our communities, our democracy, and our peace. You know.

And with all your knowledge and all your facts, you will bend the knee to the same bad ideas. Showing no leadership or moral compass. Digging the hole that has kept you from facing your constituents ever deeper.

But many of us were raised by the golden rule. To love thy neighbor. That people faught, marched, and died for equal rights, equal protections, equal say, freedom, and democracy.

Your vote to pass redistricting in Missouri just proves everything they say about you. That you can’t win without cheating. That you are in office for your own self interest. That you believe Missouri communities are not deserving of representation. And that there’s just absolutely and unequivocally people in this state that you don’t care about. Well that’s not true, you care enough to take their vote and their voice.

You’ll probably vote to pass this, pat yourselves on the back and bask in the glow of dollars thrown your way. And for a moment you will rest in what you’ve done. But one thing I know, you will all crumble to the consequences of these actions. You will lose family, friends, coworkers, respect, community, and at some point the power you sold your soul for.

I hope this moment in time, and the disgust you reap upon yourselves is worth it.

This is illegal and unconstitutional. It is totally a racist, political power grab to attempt to steal representation from the voters of District 5. It is our governor’s attempt to please President Trump. This is not democratic. Elections must be won fairly, or we risk becoming a facist country. This is wrong! Please do not allow it.

I am vehemently opposed to this unconstitutional attempt to redraw Missouri congressional districts to disenfranchise voters who do not support the Trump agenda. The Republican Party claims to be the party of small government but have proven time and time again that they are only interested in serving the elite and capitulating to the requests of Donald Trump. These attempts to redraw districts mid-decade illustrate how unpopular the Republican agenda is and makes it crystal clear that they feel they can only win elections by cheating. Missouri republicans have lost their moral compass and sold their souls to Donald Trump and the billionaire class. Missouri has significant issues that need to be addressed, but instead of focusing on solutions to address our impending budget crisis, lack of resources in rural areas of the state and the hundreds of foster children sleeping in offices every year due to a shortage of appropriate foster homes, the governor and legislature have decided once again to prioritize Donald Trump over the best interest of Missourians.

Restricting and changing the Missouri constitution denies Missouri voters our voice. You were elected to serve the people, and now you are rigging our state to serve a power hungry elite who could care less about strengthening our communities. This is the opposite of servant leadership. Is this the legacy you want to leave for the citizens of Missouri?

This is clearly designed to cheat fair elections. If you want votes, then promote policies that voters want. This administration has twice voted to overturn the will of the people with the right to body autonomy and health insurance coverage and now proposes to silence our voices altogother by suppressing our votes . If you don’t want a democracy, move elsewhere.

When we decide whether people deserve representation or land deserves representation, it will be only the corrupt who choose land. The history of this country is time and again, power being given to land owners over Slaves, over women, over immigrants. Time and again, history has sided with individuals. Be on the right side of history.

Please do not disenfranchise us further. I would like to feel like my vote matters. This is extremely deceptive since you are already not respecting what we voted for back in November. This is absolutely unacceptable.

[….] I am a lifelong Missourian speaking today in opposition to House Bill 1 (HB 1), introduced on September 3, 2025, which creates provisions for redistricting Missouri’s federal congressional districts.

Why I Oppose This Bill

1. It risks undermining fair representation.

Redistricting inherently shapes how and whose voices are heard. Without transparent, impartial criteria, HB 1 could enable partisan maps that prioritize political advantage over democratic representation. Missourians deserve maps drawn with integrity, not political gain.

2. It is out of the political norm.

Traditionally, redistricting is handled in regular order with an expectation of broad consultation and balanced input. To take up a bill of this magnitude in a rushed special session, without clear public demand, signals a departure from established norms. This sets a troubling precedent for how we govern and undermines the legitimacy of the process.

3. It lacks meaningful public input and community-centered criteria.

Fair redistricting should prioritize preserving communities of interest, geographic continuity, and voter cohesion. HB 1 is silent on these standards, making the process disconnected from the people it impacts and further eroding public trust.

4. Unchecked redistricting decisions foster political polarization.

When district lines are drawn to favor one party, elections become less competitive, and elected officials feel less accountable to all constituents. Missouri needs leaders who represent diverse voices, not legislators insulated by heavily gerrymandered districts.

What Missourians Deserve Instead

Independent redistricting commissions structured to prevent self-dealing and ensure maps serve the people rather than insiders

Clear, publicly available criteria, including respect for communities of interest and geographic compactness

Open, participatory processes with accessible hearings and meaningful opportunities for citizen feedback

For redistricting to reinforce democracy, it must be rooted in transparency, fairness, and public involvement, not in political maneuvering.

Conclusion

I respectfully urge you to oppose HB 1. Missouri deserves a redistricting process that protects fairness
in representation, transparency in decision-making, and public trust in government. To pass this bill
now, in this way, would be both harmful and outside the norms of responsible governance.

Thank you for your consideration.

Respectfully,
[….]

Opposition in the thousands. But the right wingnut super-majority in the Missouri General Assembly won’t listen.

Salus populi suprema lex esto – “The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law.”