Utah Court Rules State Leaders Cannot Throw out Voter Initiatives
- Dan Vicuña dvicuna@commoncause.org
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High Court unanimously affirms independent redistricting, citizens’ initiative process
Salt Lake City – Today, the Utah Supreme Court ruled that the state legislature cannot overturn voter initiatives, upholding a 2018 voter-approved anti-gerrymandering initiative. The ruling is a victory for the people-led redistricting commission tasked by the voters to draw congressional districts fairly and independently, ensuring no unfair advantages for any political party. The case now heads back to a lower court to determine the state’s congressional boundaries.
Common Cause filed an amicus brief in the Supreme Court of the State of Utah to protect the Utah Independent Redistricting Commission (UIRC) in League of Women Voters of Utah v. Utah State Legislature. In the brief, the national anti-gerrymandering group underscored how the legislature ignored the will of the people by tossing aside the UIRC’s work, passing impartial voting maps, and abandoning key principles of fair redistricting.
Statement from Common Cause’s Director of Redistricting and Representation, Dan Vicuña:
“The Supreme Court of Utah just delivered a huge win for democracy. Utah’s state legislature attempted to silence the voices of voters who successfully fought for their right to fair representation through the establishment of an independent redistricting commission. With today’s decision, the Court has affirmed that people get to pick their politicians — not the other way around — and shape their democracy how they see fit through the citizen initiative process.
Our effort in acting as a friend of the court in our brief was to highlight the work of the Utah Independent Redistricting Commission. The UIRC was a remarkable example of how neutrality, fairness, and transparency can protect the rights of all voters and preserve public trust and confidence in the outcomes of our elections and our democracy.
Common Cause is thrilled to see this important effort protected and affirmed by the High Court, and we look forward to ensuring that Utahns receive the fair maps and fair representation they deserve.”