Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Top News
Top News

Utah Supreme Court Blocks Deceptive Ballot Amendment

Attendees listen during a hearing about a proposed constitutional amendment before the Utah Supreme Court in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024. (Jeffrey D. Allred/The Deseret News via AP, Po

Utah voters will not have the opportunity to decide on a constitutional amendment regarding ballot measures this November, as the Utah Supreme Court upheld a lower court decision voiding the amendment. The proposed amendment, known as Amendment D, sought to give lawmakers the power to alter or repeal voter-approved ballot measures.

The high court ruled that the ballot question was presented in a misleading manner, with a summary that did not accurately convey the extent of power that would be transferred to state lawmakers. The justices agreed with the district judge's ruling that the ballot question language was 'counterfactual' and failed to disclose the full implications to voters.

Despite the ruling, the text of the amendment will still appear on Utah ballots this November due to printing deadlines, but votes cast for or against it will not be counted. The decision was met with mixed reactions, with Utah Democrats celebrating the ruling as a victory for voter rights, while Republican legislative leaders expressed disappointment.

Amendment D sought to give lawmakers power over voter-approved measures.
Utah voters won't decide on Amendment D this November.
Court ruled ballot question was misleading and counterfactual.
Text of Amendment D will still appear on ballots but won't be counted.
Democrats celebrate ruling as a victory for voter rights.
Republican lawmakers express disappointment over the decision.
Ruling emphasizes the importance of clear ballot question language.

Republican lawmakers had pushed for the amendment in response to a previous Utah Supreme Court ruling that limited their authority to change laws approved through citizen initiatives. The court's decision emphasized the importance of presenting ballot questions clearly and in compliance with the state constitution, leaving open the possibility for a similar proposal to be put forth in 2026.

The ruling marks a significant development in Utah's legislative landscape, highlighting the ongoing debate over the balance of power between lawmakers and voters in the state's democratic process.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.