A new map for November.
A reporter with Courthouse News asked me what the current legislative map is in Utah. Thus begins the long and confusing saga of Utah redistricting.
Of course, the legislative maps remain as they have been since the Census. It is the partisan gerrymander of the congressional maps that we have been suing to change. And this has been going on since 2018, even before that.
But now we can be assured that Map1 (or the Salt Lake donut hole map) will be in place for the November election.
On Monday, a U.S. federal district court gave us another victory for fair maps. The court refused to issue an injunction in a federal case against the lieutenant governor, who needs to know which map to use for the November elections. This was another desperate attempt to overturn the will of the voters.
Speaking of desperate attempts, the legislature recently passed new 3-judge district court law that violates multiple provisions of the Utah Constitution and gives the legislature unfair and one-sided power to influence judicial proceedings. We filed a supplemental complaint in the ongoing state court case challenging this new law.
While I am not concerned about our court cases, I am concerned about the public’s understanding of redistricting. It is incumbent on each of us to help spread the word about FAIR MAPS. Because of the never-ending efforts by the Legislature and their allies to confuse voters, many citizens are still unsure of Prop4 and the independent commission it sets up. it will be more important than ever to get the facts out about Utah’s congressional map.
I know it’s hard to talk about redistricting or gerrymandering but please don’t get caught up in the weeds. Here are a few talking points:
Redistricting occurs every 10 years after the Census, and under federal law, there is no ban on partisan gerrymandering, leaving the issue up to states.
Utahns passed a law in 2018 that simply sets up a method by which redistricting occurs in Utah. An independent commission sends three map options for each district to the legislature, which then must choose one or adopt its own. And any map must follow neutral criteria including a ban on partisan gerrymandering. It is an effort to ensure fair maps.
The legislature illegally repealed Prop4, put in its own law and its own gerrymandered map and took away any meaningful input from citizens. That was when we sued.
The Declaration of Rights in our Utah Constitution:
Source of Power: Asserts that all political power originates with the people, not the government.
Purpose of Government: Declares that governments are created for the "equal protection and benefit" of the people.
Right to Reform: Explicitly guarantees the right of the people to "alter or reform their government as the public welfare may require."
The legislature draws on Article IX, Section 1 of the Utah Constitution which mandates that the Utah Legislature is responsible for dividing the state into congressional and legislative districts after the Census. But Article IX does not give this power only to the Legislature, and the people have the right to pass laws relating to redistricting as well. There is nothing in this Article that says HOW they should divide the state.
Proposition 4 does not take away the legislature’s duty to adopt maps. It simply sets out guardrails for fairness that any map must follow.
Additionally, as a federal court recently affirmed, when there is no legal map and no time to enact one, the state court has the authority and the obligation to ensure a map is in place, which is exactly what happened in November when the state district court adopted Map 1.
We do not expect you to know all the ins and outs of the law but we do want you to spread the word about fair maps and our long efforts to ensure the voters have a voice. Please write letters to the editor or op-eds, as well. The media needs to hear from citizens.
Our Legislative Action Corps has been busy during this session and you will be receiving Action Alerts from them as appropriate. The legislature seems to be focused on dismantling the vote-by-mail system and disenfranchising many voters. They have proposed bills that are reactions to court decisions they dislike, and they are not taking seriously the harms to the Great Salt Lake and our environment. Please stay vigilant and contact your representatives.
Finally, I’d like you to see that our national League has been hard at work, as well.
Statements/Messaging
Administration Updates
President Trump was very disappointed with the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn his tariffs and held a press conference on Friday to express his displeasure.
The White House continued passing plans back and forth with Senate Democrats regarding funding for Department on Homeland Security.
We joined comments in support of the American Community Survey. Read the comments.
Congress Updates
Both chambers of Congress were on recess this week, but negotiations continued between Senate Democrats and the White House on a plan to reopen the Department of Homeland Security.
NEXT WEEK: It is possible that the SAVE America Act (SAVE Act 2.0) will come up for a vote on the floor of the Senate. Please continue to contact your senators and tell them you oppose this legislation. We have also updated our talking points on the SAVE Act. You may also want to review our guidance on the filibuster.
LWVUS joined a letter to Congress urging the protection of sensitive locations during immigration enforcement. Read it here.
NOW AVAILABLE: Civic Action Toolkit During ICE Activity and Related Blog
With immigration enforcement activity increasing in our communities, it can create fear, confusion, and barriers to participation in civic life. Leagues can now review our civic action toolkit on the League Management Site to learn how to show up safely, lawfully, and in solidarity during ICE activity.
LWVUS has a new blog post describing what’s happening with ICE and how to respond, including Know Your Rights information. Please feel free to share this with your networks!
Bylaws Amendment Proposals Accepted Through Feb. 27
One of the many important business items at LWV’s National Convention is the review and possible amendment of the LWVUS Bylaws. The amendment proposal process is now open and closes on February 27. Visit the League Management Site to learn more about the submission process — watch the recorded presentation (passcode: 9.@sug4v), review current LWVUS Bylaws, and access the submission form. Questions can be directed to the Bylaws Committee at bylaws@lwv.org.
Program Planning Survey Response Form Deadline is March 10!
The online program planning survey form is now available for Leagues to use to submit their responses following their program planning meetings. Leagues can visit our Program Planning 2026-2028 LMS page for the link, additional resources, and webinar recording information.
No Kings Mobilization
LWVUS is joining No Kings as a national partner on Saturday, March 28. Leagues are welcome to lean in locally and participate in activations with partners on the ground in a nonpartisan manner. For Leagues who decide to mobilize for No Kings, please utilize our Protest Safety Guidance and Guidance for Leagues About Nonpartisanship and Partnerships.