The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Oct. 8, 2025
August 25th, a Utah judge ordered a new Congressional redistricting map drawn after finding the legislature had violated the state constitution. October 6th, the legislature defiantly passed a new gerrymandered map.
The legislature had previously passed legislation to neutralize Better Boundaries Proposition 4, a voter-approved independent redistricting commission passed in 2018. It ignored the commission’s maps, and created its own gerrymandered maps benefitting the Republican Party. Both acts were ruled unconstitutional.
As we reported in September, Third District Court Judge Dianna Gibson set November 10th as the deadline for choosing a new map. October 6th, the legislature and the Utah GOP selected Option C as their choice. The map, while slightly more competitive, appears to still lock in U.S. House seats for Republicans, according to Utah News Dispatch reporting. It also passed a bill changing Proposition 4’s language and requirements.
The legislature is not the only stakeholder proposing maps. Plaintiffs Mormon Women for Ethical Government and the League of Women Voters also submitted two options on October 6th, both of which comply with Proposition 4’s original criteria.
Republicans argue only the legislature can approve the final map, not a judge, and hinted at impeachment if she doesn’t approve the legislature’s map.
We’ve linked to the local reporting at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
American Democracy Minute – (Sept 8th) Judge Orders Utah to Immediately Draw New Congressional Map, After the Legislature Circumvented the Voters – and the State Constitution
Utah Legislature – Proposed Map Options A – E
Utah News Dispatch – Utah Legislature picks congressional map supported by Republican party
Campaign Legal Center – Plaintiffs’ Map Submission
Better Boundaries Utah – Guide to Evaluating Maps
Groups Taking Action:
Better Boundaries Utah, Mormon Women for Ethical Government, League of Women Voters UT
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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