Redistricting Row: A Symptom of a Broader Malaise in State Governance

The partisan squabbles playing out in Missouri’s state Supreme Court this week are more than just a battle over congressional maps – they’re a stark reminder that the lines between politics and governance have become irreparably blurred. Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’ impending contempt hearing is merely the latest manifestation of a systemic problem that affects not just Missouri, but states across the country.

The process of drawing new district lines in Missouri has devolved into a partisan free-for-all, with entrenched politicians prioritizing their own interests over those they’re supposed to serve. This sorry state of affairs is not unique to Missouri; state legislatures nationwide have struggled to handle redistricting, often dragging their feet or engaging in transparent gerrymandering.

Judges and the public seem reluctant to hold elected officials accountable for their actions. Only a handful of states have implemented truly independent redistricting commissions, leaving many to wonder why this reform has not gained more traction.

Partisan gridlock is an obvious culprit behind this malaise, but there’s also something more insidious at play: the creeping influence of money and special interests in state governance. Politicians are increasingly beholden to deep-pocketed donors who want a say in how districts are drawn – often with little regard for the voters they purport to represent.

Missouri is not alone in its struggles; similar battles have played out in other states, including North Carolina’s infamous “monkey’s paw” gerrymander of 2019 and Alabama’s ongoing fight over congressional maps. These cases highlight a broader pattern: that our system of governance is increasingly vulnerable to manipulation by those in power.

Redistricting is just one symptom of a larger problem – similar issues plague state voting laws, campaign finance regulations, and even the appointment of judges themselves. It’s time for states to seriously explore the idea of independent redistricting commissions, made up of impartial experts who can draw district lines free from partisan influence.

Several states have already implemented such systems, including Arizona and Michigan. Greater transparency around campaign finance and lobbying efforts in state capitals is also long overdue, as are stronger laws protecting voters’ rights.

Implementing these reforms won’t be easy – entrenched interests will push back against any change that threatens their power or influence. But the alternative is too bleak to contemplate: a future where the people’s business is conducted behind closed doors by politicians and special interests, with judges relegated to mere referees in a game rigged against fairness and representation.

As we watch this redistricting battle play out in Missouri, let’s not lose sight of what’s at stake – or who ultimately stands to gain from this partisan farce. It’s not just the people of Missouri who should be worried; it’s all of us, because when state governance is corrupted by politics and money, our democracy suffers for it.