An ongoing anti-gerrymandering lawsuit in Utah is back in court as the fight to overturn a law that replaced an independent redistricting commission created by a 2018 ballot initiative continues. The lawsuit alleges that the Utah Legislature violated the constitution when it repealed the commission and replaced it with a law that allowed lawmakers to ignore independently-drawn maps. The case has been complex, spanning over two years with multiple legal challenges. The latest development saw a three-hour hearing before Judge Dianna Gibson, who acknowledged the urgency of the matter.
The original initiative, Proposition 4, was approved by voters but later replaced by SB200 in 2020. Advocacy groups League of Women Voters of Utah and Mormon Women for Ethical Government filed the lawsuit, arguing that the Legislature infringed on Utahns’ right to reform their government. The case reached the Utah Supreme Court, which issued a groundbreaking ruling in support of the plaintiffs. Now back in district court, attorneys are presenting arguments based on the Supreme Court’s decision.
The plaintiffs are hopeful that the judge will rule in their favor, which could lead to new congressional maps for the 2026 elections that adhere to the standards set by the independent redistricting commission. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for how political boundaries are drawn in Utah, potentially preventing partisan gerrymandering and ensuring that communities are kept together. Time is of the essence, as any potential changes to the maps would need to be made before the 2026 election cycle.
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