Some of you may be aware of my recently acquired position with Utah Fair Boundaries wherein we are trying to send a referendum to the people in an up or down vote to approve redistricting standards. One of the things I have found (and indeed many people have as I discuss the issues with them) particularly difficult to understand is the legal requirements simply to get on the ballot. Another hurdle is how things are worded once on the ballot.

You see, once a referendum is submitted, the local or county clerk (depending on the referendum) can’t change the wording of the referendum, but by law, they currently have to word things in such a way that is confusing at best.  You see, right now clerks have to word the ballot so that you vote “for” preventing the law from going into effect, and you vote “against” preventing the law from going into effect. In short, as of right now, the state requires clerks to pull the old SAT switch-a-roo where they can  utterly change the meaning of your intended vote – if you like the referendum, you need to mark “against” on your ballot.

So kudos to Representative Fred Hunsaker (R – Logan-District 4) on HB 44 – Referendum Ballot Proposition Amendments.  The bill states that if you are in favor of a referendum, you mark “for” and, likewise, if you are against changing the law, you vote “against” it. Makes sense, right?

This is just a prime example of how civic leaders are trying to bring our democracy back to the people and I hope this passes into law, because, as it stands right now, I would be “against” it on a ballot!

P.S. This post in no way should be thought of as an endorsement by Utah Fair Boundaries, these are my own personal opinions.

Click here to contact Representative Hunsaker