Missouri Secretary of State

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins blocked two ballot measures from appearing on the November 2020 ballot, claiming they are unconstitutional. The measures aimed to force a referendum on a congressional redistricting map and to limit legislative power over initiative measures. A political action committee submitted over 300,000 signatures for each proposal, but Hoskins asserted the state constitution does not permit referendums on redistricting and that one amendment violated single-subject requirements.

Missouri secretary of state blocks a referendum aimed at reversing the GOP's redrawn congressional map. People protested at the Missouri Capitol against legislative efforts to alter the state's congressional map.

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins sued to block disclosure of records related to reviewing signatures on a referendum petition challenging the state's congressional redistricting map. The lawsuit involves a request by Emily Gerber, deputy director of People Not Politicians, under the Sunshine Law, with Hoskins arguing the records are protected due to ongoing litigation.

Missouri courts have repeatedly rejected or rewritten ballot language summaries drafted by Secretary of State Denny Hoskins and Republican lawmakers, focusing on issues like abortion, redistricting, and tax reforms. These disputes have intensified as part of a broader national conflict over direct democracy, with experts noting increased efforts to manipulate voter understanding through ballot language.