Key Takeaways
- Utah Republicans filed a petition to repeal Proposition 4, the state’s anti-gerrymandering rule.
- They need 70,000 signatures in 30 days to trigger a legislative vote.
- Opponents argue the repeal petition itself breaks the state constitution.
- Courts ruled the current congressional map violates Proposition 4 and ordered a new one.
- A separate petition aims to block the legislature’s new map for 2026.
In a fresh twist, state Republicans launched a drive to undo an anti-gerrymandering rule. They filed a petition on Thursday that could strip voters of a key check on map drawing. This move would repeal Proposition 4, which bars the legislature from carving districts to lock in its party’s power.
If Republicans gather enough signatures, the legislature must vote on the repeal. But a new lawsuit says that path breaks the state constitution. Critics claim only a direct vote by citizens can alter the state charter.
New Lawsuit Challenges Utah Gerrymandering
A coalition led by the League of Women Voters and Mormon Women for Ethical Government filed suit against the repeal effort. They argue the state constitution allows only one method for citizens to reform government: a majority vote in a direct initiative.
They cite a 2024 Utah Supreme Court ruling that upheld citizens’ rights to change laws at the ballot box. According to the lawsuit, an indirect initiative created by legislature statute cannot override that constitutionally protected process.
“The Legislature — backed by 4% of voters — cannot accomplish that unconstitutional repeal via the indirect initiative,” the filing states. It argues the petition scheme lacks power to cut off the people’s direct vote.
How Proposition 4 Works
Proposition 4 was approved to stop lawmakers from rigging congressional districts. It sets up a multistep process:
- Judges first review a proposed map for fairness.
- If the map fails, legislators must redraw it.
- Then voters get the final say in a public election.
This path ensures that neither party can dominate district lines without approval from courts and citizens. It aims to protect communities and minority voices from being split unfairly. In Utah, that especially matters around urban areas like Salt Lake City.
GOP’s Next Moves
Republicans did not stop at the repeal petition. They also filed another drive to put the legislature’s newly drawn map to a public vote. That second petition, if successful, would block the remedial map from taking effect in 2026.
However, the courts have already declared the original GOP-drawn map illegal under Proposition 4. They ordered a new map but have not approved the legislature’s latest version. If both petitions pass, Utah could face a map-making gridlock.
This push highlights how Utah gerrymandering fights can shape political power. Both sides know the outcome will matter for the next decade of elections.
Critics Speak Out
Opponents warn the repeal petition itself violates core constitutional rights. They say only a direct initiative by majority vote can change the people’s rule. An indirect initiative, they add, is no substitute for a direct vote.
They also stress the harm of unchecked map making. When one party picks its voters, citizens lose faith in elections. Voter turnout can drop if people feel their votes don’t matter.
Groups like the League of Women Voters urge legislators to respect the 2024 court decision. They argue that democracy works best when voters, not just politicians, decide big changes.
What Comes Next
Now begins the signature drive. Republicans have 30 days to gather around 70,000 valid names. Meanwhile, courts will hear the challenge to the repeal petition itself.
If judges strike down the petition, the repeal effort could end before the legislature votes. If judges allow it, lawmakers will face a choice: keep Proposition 4 or remove public oversight.
At the same time, the second petition on the new map could halt that plan for 2026. If successful, Utah must quickly find another legal map for the next election cycle.
Impact on Voters
This legal battle affects every Utah voter. It determines the lines that decide which congressperson they can choose. Fair districts tend to boost turnout by giving communities a real voice.
By contrast, gerrymandered maps can discourage participation. Voters who feel shut out may skip elections altogether. As petitions circulate, citizens should seek clear, unbiased information. They can talk to civic groups, attend town halls, and read easy guides online.
By staying informed, Utahns can protect fair district drawing. They can ensure their votes count in shaping Congress for years to come.
FAQs
What is Proposition 4 in Utah?
Proposition 4 requires that any new congressional map pass both a court review and a public vote. It prevents the legislature from imposing district lines without voter approval.
How does an indirect initiative differ from a direct initiative?
A direct initiative puts a measure straight to a public vote after qualifying signatures. An indirect initiative first goes to the legislature and then to voters, subject to court and legislative approval.
Why do critics say fair maps matter?
Fair maps ensure each vote has equal weight. They prevent one party from splitting or packing communities to win elections without real competition.
What could happen if the repeal petition succeeds?
If the petition survives court challenges and wins legislative approval, lawmakers could draw new maps without a public vote, removing the final layer of oversight.