Utah Maps Update*

Utah GOP scrapped its first attempt and decided to start over  and try a new way. Rather than seeking about 70,000 signatures to force the Legislature to vote on repealing Proposition 4 (which was already facing legal filings opposed to their effort) they’re now pursuing the same method Better Boundaries used in 2018 to pass Prop 4, putting it on the ballot for people to vote, where this time, to repeal it. 

 

The new approach will require them to gather 140,748 valid signatures from at least 26 of Utah’s 29 Senate districts by February 15, 2026  to get their repeal on the ballot. Their shift also canceled the seven public hearings that had been scheduled for October 25, but they plan to hold new hearings starting November 3. 

 

If the Utah GOP succeeds in putting the repeal of Prop 4 on the ballot, it could be just one of several potential initiatives on the 2026 ballot, alongside a public sector union referendum and an Amendment D redo. 

We thought the Legislature didn’t want to have so many ballot measures and “be like California.” Funny how that works. 

 

What’s Next 

 

Judge Dianna Gibson now has a full plate as she’s reviewing the congressional maps and must choose one by November 10 so election officials can prepare for 2026 races. 

• Map C:  submitted by the Legislature and preferred by the GOP. 

• Two alternatives:  submitted by plaintiffs including the League of Women Voters and Mormon Women for Ethical Government. 

 

Another hearing is set for November 4 (Election Day) to debate the “fairness tests” lawmakers want to enshrine in law, tests plaintiffs argue would skew maps in favor of Republicans. (Remember the Bad Brammer Bill during the special session?) 

 

Stay in-the-know on this rapidly changing process by subscribing to Better Boundaries’ newsletter: https://betterboundaries.org/ 

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*Thanks to Planned Parenthood for this summary.