UtahDefeat Attacks on the Initiative Process
Campaign Status: Active
The Policy
Defeat attack on the initiative process
Background
This past legislative session, lawmakers in Utah targeted the voters’ voice in an amendment that would allow the legislature to significantly amend or even repeal citizen-initiated amendments. The bill passed as SJR 401, and was set to appear on the November ballot using language that would’ve deceived voters into thinking the amendment would “strengthen the initiative process”. Democracy advocates in Utah challenged the measure in court over the deceptive ballot description and other procedural issues, and the court ruled twice in their favor! On September 12, a judge voided the proposed amendment and that decision was upheld by the Utah Supreme Court on September 25. The ruling came just after the ballot printing deadline, so the measure will still appear on the ballot and voters can still vote no on Amendment D. Thankfully the results on Amendment D won’t count and the initiative process will remain protected regardless.
Who’s Involved?
Our partners in Utah, Better Boundaries Utah, the League of Women Voters of Utah, and Utah RCV are leading the charge to protect the initiative process.
GET INVOLVED
Many voters don’t know about crucial ballot measures like this which is why we need your help to reach 2 million+ voters before this year’s election.
You can pitch in right now from the comfort of your home by textbanking and phonebanking. Sign up and make history this election.
The Latest On This Campaign
Judge rules Amendment D is 'void' but will remain on the ballot
Sep 12 2024
"Without transparent, accurate and complete disclosure about the amendments, there can be no meaningful right to vote."
Read MoreUtah citizen initiatives at stake as judge weighs keeping major changes off ballots
Sep 11 2024
Any voter could misread the ballot measure to mean it would strengthen the citizen initiative process, League of Women Voters attorney Mark Gaber argued in the hearing.
Read MoreWatchdogs ask judge to remove from Utah ballots a measure that would boost lawmakers’ power
Sep 6 2024
The question would amend the state constitution to allow lawmakers to change citizen-initiated ballot measures after they have passed.
Read More