In a visit to the Utah Legislature, U.S. Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, took a shot at the lack of bipartisanship in Congress, blaming in part state election systems that turn off many voters and make them tune out politics.

That comes after Matheson has attacked Republicans in the Legislature for months for drawing new congressional districts in ways that Democrats say makes it more likely to elect more Republicans — and make many residents feel their vote does not matter.

The redrawing even led Matheson to choose against running in the 2nd District where he will live in the upcoming election, but in the new 4th District that contains much of his current district and is seen as a bit more friendly to Democrats.

Amid questions from Utah House members, Matheson noted that he and many Americans are frustrated with a lack of bipartisanship in Congress.

"We do not see folks roll up their sleeves and try to make progress," he said, blaming leaders of both parties who are "way too focused on winning the next election."

But, he said, "the problem is not the institution of Congress. ... The problem is the people, or a number of the people who are there. ... We need to ask for better."

Matheson said better officials are not elected because "a vast majority of the population is not engaged in the process," which means that activists and their "shrill and loud voices have a disproportionate role" in the system.

The six-term congressman urged legislators to find ways to engage more people in the process, and help people feel like they and their votes are needed.