Reject SJR 401, an attack on the initiative process

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.

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.