Utah Voters Encouraged to Reject Constitutional Amendment

A coalition of anti-gerrymandering advocates in Utah, led by the group Better Boundaries, launched a campaign urging voters to reject a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow lawmakers to revise citizen-led ballot initiatives. The rally at the Utah Capitol, attended by hundreds, emphasized the belief that such a change represents a 'power grab' by politicians. Better Boundaries has raised $30,000 for the campaign, with executive director Katie Wright stating that the constitutional rights of voters should not be sacrificed to lawmakers. The amendment's supporters argue it is necessary to safeguard the legislative process, particularly after a Utah Supreme Court ruling that challenged the Legislature's authority over voter initiatives. Critics, including former Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Christine Durham, assert that the amendment undermines the direct democracy established in the state's constitution. The debate will intensify as the November ballot approaches, with strong bipartisan opposition emerging against the amendment.