The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday blocked Missouri from implementing a newly drawn congressional map intended to favor Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections. This marks the second time in one week that the court has intervened in the ongoing legal dispute over the state’s district boundaries, coming just two months before voters head to the polls in November.

The court issued a brief order without explanation or noted dissents, a common practice when responding to emergency appeals. Following the ruling, Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins directed local election officials to revert to the 2022 congressional map for the general election, rather than the recently redrawn map that had been challenged in court.

Hoskins said the 2022 map would remain in use throughout the election process, which effectively preserves a district layout more favorable to Democrats, including a seat in the Kansas City area that could be decisively influenced by the map used.

Opponents of the newly proposed map hailed the Supreme Court’s decision as a significant victory after a year of legal battles and public scrutiny. However, questions remain about the logistical implications of conducting a general election based on a congressional map different from the one used in the August primary. Election officials have yet to clarify how they will address the discrepancies between the two maps, especially in terms of voter information and ballot preparation.

The dispute over Missouri’s congressional districts reflects a broader national debate over redistricting and its impact on electoral fairness. The state’s situation underscores the complexities courts and election authorities face when balancing legal challenges against the practical realities of administering elections close to major voting dates.