1. United States
2. Utah
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong concern and opposition regarding the proposed redistricting plans A, B, and C. As a resident of Layton, Utah, I believe these maps fail to align with the principles and legal requirements set forth by Proposition 4, which was passed by Utah voters in 2018. A recent court ruling has reaffirmed that the legislature's repeal of Proposition 4 was unconstitutional, making the voter-approved initiative the law of the land for redistricting. The court has ordered that a new map be drawn in compliance with its requirements, which include a ban on partisan gerrymandering. The maps currently under consideration, A, B, and C, appear to disregard this court order and the will of the people by creating districts that are not compact, do not preserve communities of interest, and are designed to unduly favor one political party. Proposition 4, also known as "Better Boundaries," was a clear mandate from the public to create fair and transparent districts. The proposed maps are a clear step away from that mandate and go against the spirit of a representative democracy where voters choose their representatives, not the other way around. I urge you to reject these unconstitutional plans and work with your colleagues to adopt a new map that adheres to the neutral criteria and process outlined in Proposition 4. This includes prioritizing factors such as equal population, compactness, contiguity, and preserving existing communities. It is essential that the legislature upholds its responsibility to the voters and respects the law as determined by the court. Thank you for your time and consideration of this critical matter.