Happy Friday, and welcome to Inside Voices, a weekly newsletter that features a collection of ideas, perspectives and solutions from across Utah — without any of the vitriol or yelling that’s become all too common on other platforms. Subscribe here.
A recent Utah Supreme Court decision on voter-approved ballot initiatives and redistricting has Utahns speaking out.
Better Boundaries, the nonprofit that organized the ballot initiative, told Tribune reporters it will allow Utah voters to “finally pick their own politicians, not the other way around.”
Legislative leaders, however, said in a statement that the decision will allow “big money and outside interest groups that run initiatives” to push their own agendas.
In a recent op-ed, Jeff Merchant and Chase Thomas of Alliance for a Better Utah — a nonprofit that advocates for government accountability and transparency — offered a potential solution:
“As recent polling suggests, Utahns feel that our elected leaders do not listen to voters, so we must use this ruling to make sure that politicians start doing what they are asked to do and are held accountable to the people they serve,” they write. “How do we do that? By supporting the framework originally established under the 2018 initiative banning partisan gerrymandering and creating an independent commission to draw district maps using transparent and fair rules instead of the Legislature, which has consistently used self serving, back-room politicking.”
I asked Utahns what they think should be done. Here’s a sampling of what you said:
Suz from Sandy suggests using “verified software that the Legislature is probably also using. Parameters can be input to model the software’s proposed maps, which offers multiple maps and diagnostics of each based on demographic and geographic characteristics. In other words, there are commonly used redistricting software platforms. We learned about some when we thought the Legislature may actually respect the referendum that passed: the people’s preference for apolitical election districts.”
”It’s not easy to say, because things change so much,” said Melissa in Roy. “But I think fair voting districts have set parameters, like population, area, etc. that are set to be reviewed every 10 or so years. I think they are grid-style lines, like our city roads. And I think that it should not be made by politicians, it should be made by a committee and reviewed by an independent, out-of-state, company.”
Velvet in West Jordan said, “Cities should be left intact and part of the same district. Not dissected into multiple districts. Outside of that, I trust the third party districting solution originally being used since they are impartial. It makes no sense to allow the people who benefit most from redistricting to be the ones to set up the districts. Common sense is something many in this state are unfortunately lacking however.”
“No voting district boundary line is ever going to be perfect,” writes Andrew in Mapleton, “and there will always be boundaries that seem arbitrary, but we can certainly make them better than they are today … No single group should be overrepresented or given preference when drawing boundary lines, which is why I think largely following natural boundaries (geographic and city/county) is a great way to remove emotion and bias from the equation.”
Lisa in White City said, “The redistricting commission was formed for this very purpose. Let them do their work.”
The League of Women Voters of Utah, who filed a lawsuit against the Utah State Legislature in 2022, wrote in an op-ed this week that “the current division of Salt Lake County into four congressional districts not only dilutes the county’s voting power but disenfranchises its voters. Fair maps simply allow citizens whose voices have long been silenced a means to participate in their government.”
I want to hear from you: What do fair voting districts look like to you? How do we create them? Tell me here.
Utah Voices
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) People hold a silent rally at the Utah Capitol before the Senate Education Committee hears HB261, the anti-DEI bill that would dismantle diversity offices in Utah public education and government, on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024.
Devon Thomas lost her job when Utah Valley University closed its Women’s Success Center to comply with HB261. She writes in an op-ed that these centers have saved lives — including hers.
“People for and against [HB261] say they want to improve inclusivity and eliminate sources of discrimination,” writes conflict resolution expert Danya Rumore. She shared several tips on how we can do that — and it starts with being clear with each other.
Yes, people are losing trust in the news, writes University of Utah professor Jacob L. Nelson. But not for the reason you might think. “People’s distrust of journalism does not stem from fears of ideological brainwashing. Instead, it stems from assumptions that the news industry as a whole values profits above truth or public service.” What do you think? Let me know how local journalists can earn your trust.
“Climate instability is not for future generations to solve,” writes Terry Tempest Williams in an exclusive commentary. “It is ours to reckon with now. It is here and it is flooding our lives with chaos and burning up our dreams, not just for our species, but all life on Earth.”
Speaking of climate instability, Utah college student Amrita Krishna wrote this week about global warming and how its impact is different among Utah neighborhoods. “Everyone should be able to enjoy their summers;” she writes, “let’s make strides to lift all our neighborhoods up.”
“The debate over energy and climate is often presented as a divisive, hyper-partisan issue,” writes Steve Handy, a former Utah legislator and current Utah Director for The Western Way. “But if you know where to look, there is actually some common ground between conservatives and progressives about the best way forward.”
Share Your Perspective
Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Zions Bank is among the Utah companies committed to looking at its pay structures and is making changes for equitable pay for women within the company's workforce.
Parents: Have you experienced wage gaps and/or parental penalties? Tell us about what you’ve seen — and what you’d like to see change — here.
From Bagley’s Desk
Hot Colors | Pat Bagley
I’m always looking for unique perspectives, ideas and solutions that move our state forward. Learn more about our guidelines for an op-ed, guest essay, letter to the editor and more here, and drop me a note at voices@sltrib.com.
