The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Jan. 28, 2026
As you’ll recall, the Utah state courts struck down multiple GOP efforts to neutralize a constitutional amendment creating an independent redistricting commission and a ban on gerrymandering. Despite wide bipartisan support for the fair redistricting amendment, a new Trump-endorsed ballot measure aims to repeal it.
The Proposition 4 constitutional amendment was passed in 2018 by a narrow margin, with 50.34% of the vote. The state legislature has been out to undo it ever since. But a new poll by Better Boundaries Utah now shows 57% of voters disapprove of the legislature’s efforts to neutralize the independent commission, 65% believe that Utah voters should have the power to establish election district
boundaries and should have the final say over those boundaries, and 71% believe there should be neutral, independent standards for redistricting in Utah.
Another citizen ballot measure hoping to repeal the independent commission is currently collecting signatures, but is still short of qualifying for the November ballot with only three weeks left. President Donald Trump posted on social media January 23rd, urging his base to sign the petition.
The GOP-dominated legislature isn’t waiting for the ballot initiative outcome, and is appealing its partisan districting legislation in the Utah Supreme Court.
We’ve linked to a timeline on Utah’s battle for fair redistricting at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
BallotPedia – (2018) Utah Proposition 4, Independent Advisory Commission on Redistricting Initiative (2018)
American Democracy Minute – (Sept. 2024) – After Losing in Court and at the Polls, Utah Legislature Approves Nov. Ballot Measure to Veto or Alter Citizen Ballot Measures to Protect Its Power
American Democracy Minute – (Nov. 2025) Utah Judge Rejects Legislature’s Gerrymandered Congressional Map, Choosing a Map Which Follows the State Constitution Instead
Better Boundaries Utah – Utah poll on redistricting and the state Supreme Court
Utah News Dispatch – As deadline looms, Trump looks to boost effort to repeal Utah independent redistricting law
Truth Social – President Donald Trump’s Post Supporting Ballot Measure to Repeal Proposition 4
ABC4 – Utah legislature files notice to appeal redistricting case to Utah Supreme Court
ABC4 – Proposition 4, Map C, and special sessions: A timeline of Utah’s redistricting saga
Groups Taking Action:
Better Boundaries Utah, 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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