Utah Judge Voids Proposal for Ballot Amendment

A Utah judge has declared proposed Amendment D, which would allow the state Legislature to override citizen-approved ballot measures, 'void' after determining that its ballot language was misleading and not properly published as required. While the amendment will still appear on the November ballot to meet election deadlines, votes for or against it will not be counted. Judge Dianna Gibson ruled that the language suggesting the amendment would 'strengthen' the initiative process inaccurately represented its actual purpose, which was to give lawmakers more power over voter initiatives. Legislative leaders have announced plans to appeal the ruling, expressing disappointment and framing it as judicial overreach. The judge's decision comes amid ongoing legal scrutiny of the Legislature's actions related to citizen initiatives, particularly following a recent Supreme Court ruling addressing gerrymandering practices. This ruling highlights the importance of transparent communication in the democratic process and the rights of Utah voters to have a fair initiative process.