The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Feb. 23, 2026
The Utah Supreme Court dismissed a GOP appeal of a lower-court’s congressional district map, and a Virginia county judge who ruled against a redistricting ballot measure but overruled by the Virginia Supreme Court, has struck again.
In Utah, the state legislature has tried for years to neutralize the Proposition 4 constitutional amendment establishing fair redistricting rules. In December, a lower court judge chose a fair map over a partisan remedial map proposed by the legislature, which the state GOP appealed to the Utah Supreme Court. The Utah News Dispatch reports the court dismissed the case February 20th, citing missed deadlines for the appeal. For now, the fairer map stands, but another federal GOP challenge in federal court is pending.
The Virginia Mercury reports that Tazewell County Chief Circuit Court Judge Jack Hurley issued a second injunction against a ballot measure seeking voter approval for mid-decade congressional redistricting. January 27th, the commonwealth’s supreme court overruled an earlier order by Hurley. It allowed an April 21st referendum on the measure to proceed pending trial. Hurley issued another temporary injunction February 19th on state constitutional grounds and held that the measure’s language was misleading. The state’s attorney general said he would immediately appeal.
We have the local reporting at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Utah News Dispatch – Utah Supreme Court rejects Legislature’s redistricting appeal; court-ordered map still stands
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF UTAH – LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF UTAH vs. UTAH STATE LEGISLATURE
Utah News Dispatch – In new redistricting lawsuit, federal panel weighs whether to overturn Utah’s court-ordered map
Virginia Mercury – Court halts April 21 redistricting vote, siding with RNC and GOP lawmakers
Circuit Court of Tazewell County (via Virginia Mercury) – RNC v. Koski
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – Another Big Week in the Utah Legislature’s Attempt to Overturn Proposition 4 and Court-Ordered Fair Congressional District Maps
American Democracy Minute – Democrats in Virginia & Maryland Race to Match GOP-Gerrymandered Congressional Seats, But It’s Far From a Done Deal.
Groups Taking Action:
League of Women Voters UT, Mormon Women for Ethical Government
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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