I Support Constitutional Amendment D

Ballot Initiatives and Constitutional Amendment D

On August 21, 2024, the Utah House and Senate voted to place Constitutional Amendment D on the November ballot. Some mistakenly believe that the actions of the Legislature would take away the right of the people to change government through ballot initiatives. This is not true. This constitutional amendment will preserve the initiative format as it has existed for 130 years in Utah. Failure to pass this constitutional amendment may result in the following:

• Enabling of foreign governments or outside interests running ballot initiatives in Utah.
• Utah governance trending toward California where there are 11 initiatives on the ballot this November. Past initiatives in California have legalized recreational marijuana, busted state budgets, and reduced looting from a felony to a misdemeanor hurting public safety.
• The creation of "superlaws" that may have unintended consequences.

Alaska is good example of what can go wrong.  A 25-page ballot initiative was passed in 2020 that promised "better elections".  According to the Wall Street Journal in an article published on August 29, 2024, the initiative was funded by left-leaning groups and out of state wealthy liberals calling themselves "Alaskans for Better Elections".  Real Alaskans are fighting back to take control of their elections after 48 candidates qualified for a recent primary creating confusion for voters.

I am supportive of Constitutional Amendment D. Preserving the initiative process as it has existed over the last 130 years is the right choice. Opposing Constitutional Amendment D may result in attracting out of state money and superlaws that undermine our future. Ultimately, the decision is up to you. The Utah Legislature can't make this decision. It will be up to the voters in the State of Utah.