League, coalition narrowly lose hard fought battle for fair maps on Nov. 3
Despite the hard work of League members and others across Missouri, Amendment 3 was narrowly defeated Nov. 3, overturning fair map reforms approved by Missouri voters two years ago.
As Amendment 3 becomes law in 2021, the League will continue to actively fight for fair legislative maps in Missouri as well as transparency in the redistricting process.
The League of Women Voters is working in all 50 states to establish fair political maps.
“We are committed to ensuring as fair an outcome as possible when new maps are drawn,” said No on 3 campaign director Sean Nicholson.
The broad bipartisan coalition that includes the League will be active and engaged in 2021 to ensure voters and communities–not politicians–come first in drawing new maps, he said.
The League of Women Voters is especially concerned about language in Amendment 3 calling for “one person one vote.” This could mean non-citizens and children under 18 years old would be left out of the population count when legislative districts are drawn after the 2020 Census.
“Though Amendment 3 was written to allow for truly radical gerrymandering, it does not require it,” Nicholson explained.
Also of concern is the fiscal note for Amendment 3 that stated, “Individual local governmental entities expect significant decreased revenues of a total unknown amount.”