Utah Judge Rules Amendment D Remains on Ballot

Judge Dianna M. Gibson of Utah's 3rd District Court has ruled that proposed Amendment D is void but will still appear on the November ballot, allowing ballot printing to proceed. The ruling follows a lawsuit from several groups, including the League of Women Voters of Utah, who claimed the amendment misrepresents its actual meaning and undermines voter-led initiatives, specifically those concerning redistricting reforms. Although the amendment's language will be on the ballot, any votes cast in favor of it will not be counted. Judge Gibson criticized the legislature for failing to accurately communicate the amendment's implications to voters, particularly its potential to override previous voter-approved reforms. The case stems from a July ruling by the Utah Supreme Court which upheld the constitutional protection of voter initiatives against legislative repeal. This ongoing legal battle highlights tensions between Utah's GOP-controlled legislature and advocates for voter rights and anti-gerrymandering measures.