In Utah, government watchdog groups are urging a judge to remove a proposed ballot measure from the November election. The measure, if passed, would change the state constitution to give lawmakers more power over citizen-initiated ballot measures. It would also extend the time for collecting signatures and prevent foreign influence on such measures.
The legal challenge is part of a broader conflict over control of legislative and congressional boundaries. The League of Women Voters, Mormon Women for Ethical Government, and other plaintiffs argue that lawmakers changed election deadlines to rush this measure onto the ballot. They claim the measure’s description is misleading and does not accurately reflect its impact on voters’ rights.
According to the plaintiffs, the measure would allow the Legislature to bypass constitutional provisions when altering voter-approved initiatives. They want a federal court to remove the measure from the ballot before ballots are sent to overseas and military voters on September 20.
This dispute follows a series of legal battles over redistricting in Utah. In 2018, voters approved a measure creating an independent commission to draw legislative maps, which aimed to prevent gerrymandering. However, lawmakers removed this provision in 2020 and disregarded the commission’s map for congressional districts, which led to a Supreme Court ruling that GOP lawmakers had overstepped their authority.
In response, lawmakers added the current measure to the November ballot to restore their power over redistricting. State Senate President J. Stuart Adams and Speaker Mike Schultz defend the measure, arguing that it is necessary for voters to have a say before initiatives significantly change the state.
Similar attempts to alter redistricting rules have occurred in other states. Missouri and Arizona have seen efforts to undo voter-approved measures related to redistricting, while Ohio is considering a new commission for map drawing.
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