Defending The Rights To Equality, Liberty, and Justice For All

The Missouri Supreme Court announced Friday evening that oral arguments will take place May 12 in an appeal of a lower court’s decision to deny a request to suspend House Bill 1’s new congressional maps until after a vote of the people. 

"This is a win for speech, democracy, and all current and future voters in Missouri. The vital work of organizations like the League and the NAACP is necessary to help Missourians navigate a system that is deeply rooted with systemic barriers that unnecessarily impede Missourians from exercising their fundamental right to vote."

This order defies over a century of judicial precedent while rendering Missourians’ constitutional right to the referendum process second to the will of politicians. The ACLU of Missouri is committed to our state constitution’s founding principle that all power is derived from the people, not loaned from the government. We will immediately appeal this decision.

“The court rightfully rejected the portion of House Bill 1878 which imposed criminal penalties for political speech, voter registration, and civic engagement efforts by organizations like the League of Women Voters and the NAACP. Third-party voter registration activities blocked by the challenged legislation are critical, constitute core political speech, and are necessary to ensure that voters can get on the rolls and participate in elections. Legislation like HB 1878 was designed to block access for Missouri voters and halt the ability of civic engagement organizations to engage their fellow citizens."