Mid-decade redistricting battles: Utah judge axes GOP maps + SB153 voter privacy gaps
Key Questions
What was the Utah judge's ruling on the GOP congressional maps?
A Utah judge ruled that the Republican-drawn congressional maps violate Proposition 4. This decision requires a new map, potentially opening a seat for Democrats. The ruling has triggered GOP backlash amid rising stakes for the 2026 elections.
What does SB153 change about voter data privacy in Utah?
SB153 makes personal voter information public by default unless voters opt to keep it private by May 6. More than a million Utah voters risk exposure if they do not act by the deadline. The law flips previous privacy protections, sparking concerns over implementation.
What problems have occurred with voter privacy opt-out requests under SB153?
County clerks are inconsistent in processing requests, with denial rates like 15% in Utah County versus 7% in Cache County. Issues with affidavits and signatures have exposed vulnerable groups, such as domestic violence survivors. These gaps raise ethics concerns ahead of 2026 elections.
UT judge rules GOP maps violate Prop 4, new map opens Dem seat; SB153 flips voter data public unless opted private by May6, but clerks inconsistent (Utah Co 15% denials vs Cache 7%, affidavit/signature issues exposing DV survivors); GOP backlash/ethics concerns pre-2026; ties VRA/House fights/VA referendum/SAVE purges.