Judge Orders Utah To Redraw Congressional Maps

On Aug. 25, Utah State Judge Dianna Gibson ordered the Legislature to redraw Utah’s congressional districts to comply with the Better Boundaries Initiative. Gibson’s ruling applies only to Utah’s four congressional districts, not to legislative or school board maps. “The redistricting commission went through this process, gave them maps and the state legislature essentially ignored them.”Judge Gibson’s ruling bars the use of Utah’s current congressional maps in future elections. Public opinionJudge Gibson’s decision has drawn pushback. However, Burbank explained that the under the Better Boundaries Initiative, Utah’s current congressional maps are drawn largely in favor toward the Republican seats.