Victory for Utahns! Supreme Court Unanimously Voids Amendment D

Salt Lake City, UT – Today, Campaign Legal Center, on behalf of League of Women Voters Utah and Mormon Women for Ethical Government and Utah voters, successfully defended Utahns’ right to reform their own government by citizen initiative.

Today, the Utah Supreme Court ruled that proposed constitutional Amendment D is void and shall be given no effect. The Court found that the Legislature failed to publish the proposed amendment in Utah newspapers as the state constitution requires. The Court also ruled that the ballot language was unconstitutionally misleading because it says the amendment would do the opposite of what it says it would do. Because the Legislature did not follow the requirements of the state constitution in advancing the amendment, the amendment is void.

“The Utah Supreme Court upheld a fundamental principle that never should have been in doubt — the government must honestly present the questions voters are asked to decide,” said CLC’s Mark Gaber. “The Utah Legislature failed at every step in this process and voters will now see their constitutional rights affirmed.”

“This is a tremendous victory for the people of Utah that affirms the right of the people to ethical and transparent government,” said MWEG’s Emma Petty Addams. “We're grateful for the clear message this decision sends: constitutional checks and balances exist for a reason and everyone must follow the constitution.”  

“I hope this is a new day for the people of Utah,” said LWV UT’s Katharine Biele. “I hope the legislature understands they represent us. We look forward to working with them in the future on the issues that affect all Utahns.”