In a Dec. 7 Tribune story, Ben McAdams noted how 10 years ago, Republican legislators, after appearing to negotiate in good faith over boundaries, pulled out a new map at the last minute and passed it. The map, he said, was from the National Republican Congressional Committee.
It is estimated that unfairly drawn district maps a decade ago around the nation ultimately shifted 59 seats in Congress — 20 in favor of Democrats, and 39 for Republicans. The 19-seat net gain for Republicans represents 13.3 million voters including, arguably, Democratic voters in Salt Lake County. We may have squeaky clean elections, but if boundaries are unfair, the game is usually over.
The Utah Independent Redistricting Commission will begin its work next year with a $1 million budget. It must follow detailed criteria for developing boundary maps and conduct statewide public hearings. But the law is also clear that the Legislature is not obligated to vote on any map submitted by the commission. That’s probably what got the bill passed.
Thousands of signatures got us here. Keep pressure on legislators to respect the redistricting process and approve a map that is sane and fair.
Elizabeth Mitchell, South Jordan