1. United States
2. Utah
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong support for Judge Dianna Gibson's recent decision regarding Utah's congressional map. Her ruling, which rejected the map proposed by the Republican-majority State Legislature in favor of one submitted by plaintiffs, demonstrates a commitment to fairness and constitutional duty that should be commended, not threatened. The reaction from some members of the legislature, particularly Rep. Matt MacPherson's threat of impeachment, is deeply concerning. Such threats undermine the fundamental principle of checks and balances in our government system. Judge Gibson's decision was not a 'gross abuse of power' as claimed, but rather a fulfillment of her judicial responsibility to interpret and uphold the Constitution. It's important to note that the map chosen by Judge Gibson was deemed to not favor any political party. This aligns with the principles of fair representation that are crucial to a functioning democracy. The Utah League of Women Voters, one of the plaintiffs in this case, rightly points out that Article 1, Section 2 of the Constitution gives people the right to change their form of government. By selecting a more balanced map, Judge Gibson is honoring this constitutional right. The legislature's failure to produce a fair, non-partisan map necessitated judicial intervention. Rather than threatening impeachment, our elected officials should reflect on why their proposed map was found to be unsuitable. The focus should be on creating districts that truly represent the diverse voices of Utah's constituents, not on maintaining political advantages. I urge you to publicly support Judge Gibson's decision and oppose any attempts to impeach or intimidate her for carrying out her judicial duties. Furthermore, I ask that you advocate for the implementation of the new congressional map as selected by the court. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to fair representation and the constitutional principles that underpin our democracy. The people of Utah deserve a congressional map that accurately reflects their communities and ensures their voices are heard. Let's move forward with this fair map and focus on addressing the real issues facing our state, rather than engaging in political retaliation against those who uphold our constitutional rights.