Democrat Ben McAdams has graciously conceded the 4th District race, leaving Utah with 100% Republican representation in the U.S. House and Senate. This is the result, despite the fact that over 500,000 (out of 1.4 million) voters selected a Democrat for the House of Representatives. Democrats received 35% of the votes for the House of Representatives, but ended up with 0% representation. Is this fair? Why did this happen?
I suggest that this is not fair. If we want to unify as a nation, the majority must allow the minority to have a voice. With 35% of the electorate wishing to send a Democrat to Congress, it is unacceptable that there is no representation from this constituency.
I think we all know why this happened. In the 2010 redistricting, the Utah Legislature decided to divide Salt Lake County into three different districts, and thus dilute the Democratic vote. In so doing, it was not following the standards of attempting to create compact, contiguous districts, trying to keep political units and communities within a single district, and avoiding the drawing of boundaries for purposes of partisan advantage or incumbent protection.
Fortunately, we have a new opportunity to determine our congressional districts based on the 2020 census. This is to involve an independent commission to propose new political districts. What are the plans for this independent commission? Who is being appointed? Hopefully the press will cover this important process and all interested citizens will be able to provide their input.
Linda F. Smith, Salt Lake City