When the legislature went through the redistricting process in 2021, many Utah residents were upset that they had disregarded the recommendations of the independent commission created to follow more closely the will of the voters. The League of Women Voters of Utah and Mormon Women for Ethical Government filed suit in Utah’s 3rd Judicial Court in March 2022 alleging the legislature “enacted an extreme partisan gerrymander when it approved the new maps.”

The definition of gerrymandering is “the manipulation of the boundaries of (an electoral constituency) so as to favor one party or class.” Redistricting takes place every 10 years.

“The legislature has used every tactic in the book against it,” said Katie Wright, executive director of Better Boundaries. “The maps are egregious. We feel strongly that voters should choose their candidates. Gerrymandering the maps insulates politicians from accountability.”

It leaves power unchecked, she said. “Politicians are working for their own self-interests. It helps them avoid a competitive election and a hard campaign.”

Rep. Paul Ray (left) and Sen. Scott Sandall hold a press conference at the Capitol in 2021 to explain the process of redistricting. Photo by Becky Ginos

That’s why voters asked for an independent commission, Wright said. “It makes sense to keep people voting with their neighbor. The maps divided up the community unnecessarily. It makes some of our votes diluted.”

It’s against the constitution, she said. “The Utah Constitution makes it clear that the power should be with the people of Utah. It’s been a clear standard that it should be with the voters not politicians.”

The Utah Supreme Court heard from both the plaintiffs and defendants on Tuesday. A decision had not been made by press time.

“If we prevail it will go back to the district court,” said Wright. “They’ll finally get to hear the facts of the case.”

The legislature knows how voters feel, she said. “An independent commission was created and voters were overwhelmingly in support of it. When the legislature posted the maps on (that) Friday there were 500 people online and it crashed the website.”

There was an overflow of people at the legislature, Wright said. “Utahns believed politicians had acted in their own self-interest, 99% spoke vehemently against the maps.”

Wright said the support has been wonderful. “The public will keep fighting. Utahns need to stay engaged. We believe it doesn’t matter what your ZIP code is. Everyone has the right to vote.”