SALT LAKE CITY – Better Boundaries released the following statement:”We are deeply disappointed the Utah Legislative Redistricting Committee disregarded the will of the people and chose to push forward their own set of gerrymandered maps last evening. The legislative committee’s maps, to be voted on in this special session, clearly have no consideration for the criteria and standards as passed by S.B. 200 in 2020, specifically splitting towns and cities for partisan purposes and favoring incumbent politicians. We strongly urge the state legislature as a body to consider maps put forth by the nonpartisan Independent Redistricting Commission. Their work has been widely praised by respected independent groups to be fair and transparent. The commission’s tireless work over the past several months, with a considerable amount of input from the public, should not be carelessly ignored.
Better Boundaries is exploring legal and legislative solutions. We’ve formed an accountability PAC to pursue electoral consequences and have pledged a seed contribution of $50,000. Additionally, we are preparing a future ballot initiative to repeal and replace the heavily gerrymandered district maps, should the legislature continue to dismiss the voice of the people of Utah when Proposition 4 passed in 2018.”More information can be found at www.betterboundaries.org