Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe celebrated the Wednesday court decision that sided with GOP redistricting efforts in the state. File Photo by Bill Greenbatt/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 19 (UPI) -- A Missouri judge ruled Wednesday against voters seeking to put a Republican redistricting effort in the state to a referendum, stating that the new GOP-favored maps can be used in November's midterm elections.
Cole County Circuit Court Judge Daniel Green ruled that referendum provisions in the state's constitution do not apply to congressional redistricting.
"The Missouri Constitution does not supply any statement -- let alone a clear one -- reallocating authority over congressional redistricting away from the General Assembly to a referendum process," Green wrote in his ruling.
The People Not Politicians coalition that filed the lawsuit told UPI in an emailed statement that what was important was that a ruling had been made, while accusing the Republicans of stalling the litigation process and stating that the case can now move forward toward the Missouri Supreme Court.
