Why Utah’s Constitutional Amendment Protects the Initiative Process and Voter Rights
This November, Utahns have a crucial opportunity to vote on a constitutional amendment that protects our state’s initiative process from outside influence while ensuring it remains flexible enough to meet future needs. There has been some confusion and misinformation about what this proposal does, so let’s break it down clearly and explain why it’s essential for Utah.
What Does the Amendment Do?
Stops Foreign Money from Influencing Utah’s Laws
This amendment prevents foreign entities from contributing to Utah ballot initiatives and referendums. This ensures that our laws are shaped by Utahns, not by outside interests trying to impose their own agendas on our state.
Protects the Initiative Process While Allowing Adjustments
I support the right of Utahns to propose and pass initiatives. However, if an initiative leads to unintended consequences—such as budget shortfalls or legal conflicts—the Legislature must be able to make necessary changes. This amendment allows that flexibility while ensuring the original purpose of the initiative is respected.
Gives More Time for Utahns to Collect Signatures
Right now, citizens have 40 days to collect signatures for a referendum. This amendment extends that period to 60 days, providing Utahns more time to engage in the process and ensuring their voices are heard.
Ensures Legislative Deference to Voter-Approved Laws
When the Legislature makes adjustments to a voter-approved law, it will be required to give deference to the original intent of the initiative, unless it’s necessary to address serious financial or legal issues. This guarantees that the will of the voters remains intact while keeping our laws functional.
Why I Support the Initiative and Referendum Process
The ability of Utahns to propose and vote on initiatives and referendums is a cornerstone of our democracy. It’s a vital way for people to shape the laws that impact their lives directly. This amendment does not take away that power; instead, it protects the process from being manipulated by external influences and ensures our laws remain flexible and responsive to the needs of the people.
Clearing Up the Misinformation
Some have suggested that this amendment limits the power of voters, but that is simply not true. The initiative process will remain in place, and Utahns will still be able to propose and pass laws. The amendment is designed to allow the Legislature to make necessary adjustments if an initiative creates problems, while always respecting the original intent of the voters.
Why You Should Vote Yes
Keeps Outside Influence Out
By banning foreign contributions to ballot initiatives, this amendment protects Utah’s laws from being shaped by external interests. Our laws should reflect Utah values, not the agendas of foreign entities.
Strengthens the Initiative Process
This amendment doesn’t reduce the power of the people; it preserves it by ensuring the process can adapt to changing needs and circumstances.
Gives Citizens More Time to Participate
Extending the signature collection period from 40 to 60 days allows more time for grassroots movements to gather support and ensures that more Utahns can engage in the democratic process.
Conclusion
By supporting this constitutional amendment, you are helping to protect the integrity of Utah’s initiative process while keeping it flexible and responsive to the needs of our state. The amendment ensures that the power of the people remains strong while preventing outside interests from influencing our laws. Please join me in voting YES on this important amendment in November to ensure Utah remains well-governed and reflective of the values we all hold dear.