The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Sept. 4, 2024

Today’s Script

(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)

You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.

In a move exemplifying why gerrymandering is a danger to American democracy, the Utah legislature approved a politician-crafted constitutional amendment ballot measure to give itself the power to veto or alter a citizen ballot measure.

In a special session August 21st, the Utah Senate voted 20-8 and the House  54-21, to place the constitutional amendment before the voters Nov. 5th.  The move comes after the 2018 “Better Boundaries” Proposition 4 citizen initiative passed, authorizing a bipartisan “advisory” redistricting commission, setting new rules for fair maps, and forbidding gerrymandering. 

In March 2020, the legislature passed Senate Bill 200, which watered down Proposition 4, and gave the legislature a larger role.   The new commission did draw fair voting maps in 2021, which the legislature ignored, gerrymandering their own maps and locking in power for Republicans. The League of Women Voters of Utah sued, arguing the legislature overstepped its authority.

In July 2024, the Utah Supreme Court unanimously agreed, overturning a district court ruling favoring the legislature.  The legislature’s new workaround amendment not only gives itself power to veto or amend Proposition 4, but any future citizen ballot initiative on any issue.  A coalition is already mobilizing in opposition to this assault on the citizen initiative process. 

We have more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org.  I’m Brian Beihl.

Today’s Links

Articles & Resources:

BallotPedia – Utah Proposition 4, Independent Advisory Commission on Redistricting Initiative (2018)
Utah Legislature – Senate Bill 200 – REDISTRICTING AMENDMENTS
Utah Supreme Court – Opinion in League of Women Voters v. Utah State Legislature
Utah News Dispatch – Utah Supreme Court’s ‘watershed’ redistricting ruling has major implications. Now what?
Utah News Dispatch – Utah Legislature asks voters to change constitution, skirt Supreme Court ballot initiatives ruling
Utah News Dispatch – ‘Vote no’: Anti-gerrymandering groups launch campaign against Utah constitutional amendment

Groups Taking Action:

Better Boundaries Utah, League of Women Voters Utah, Mormon Women for Ethical Government

Check Your Voter Registration:

• U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
• USA Vote Foundation – Registration, Eligibility, State Election Office Links
• Vote.Gov – Register to Vote in Your State
• Vote.Org – Check Your Registration to Vote
  
  

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#Democracy  #DemocracyNews #Utah #AmendmentD #EndGerrymandering

The post After Losing in Court and at the Polls, Utah Legislature Approves Nov. Ballot Measure to Veto or Alter Citizen Ballot Measures to Protect Its Power appeared first on American Democracy Minute.