Faith-Driven Group in Utah Leads the Charge for Redistricting Reform

Emma Petty Addams loves playing the piano, but for now, her focus is elsewhere. As a co-executive director of Mormon Women for Ethical Government (MWEG), she’s deeply involved in a lawsuit prompting redistricting in Utah.

In a recent chat at her Salt Lake City home, she explained that this legal battle aligns with her values as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Alongside her, MWEG member Vicki Reid echoed the importance of fair representation. Reid shared a powerful hymn: “Do what is right, let the consequences follow.” This sentiment is guiding their efforts in a time of political shifts.

This week, Utah’s legislature passed a new district map designed to give Democrats a better chance in upcoming elections. This decision came after a court mandated the redistricting due to MWEG’s lawsuit. It’s a notable turn of events in a largely Republican state, especially with President Trump encouraging states to draw maps favoring his party.

Utah’s Republican lawmakers have publicly expressed their dissatisfaction. Some, like Representative Candice Pierucci, argue that the legislature knows better than the plaintiffs who, according to her, don’t directly represent the voters.

Historically, states usually redistrict after the census, but Trump’s influence has pushed some states, like Texas and Missouri, to redraw maps earlier, benefiting Republican candidates. MWEG, formed in 2017, has worked on this issue long before the recent redistricting focus sparked by Trump.

With around 9,000 members, MWEG is a diverse group, with people from various political backgrounds, including Republicans, Democrats, and independents. Laura Eyi, the group’s public relations manager, highlighted how their faith binds them despite political disagreements. “It’s a principled effort,” she emphasized, pointing to their commitment to improving representation.

In 2018, Utah voters supported the creation of an independent commission for redistricting to curb partisan gerrymandering. However, the Republican-controlled legislature quickly reclaimed this authority, passing a map that divided Salt Lake County into four districts, diluting Democratic votes. This led to the legal challenges from MWEG and others, culminating in the ongoing redistricting fight.

The recent district map is set for further judicial review. Reid, who identifies as a moderate Republican, stressed the legislature’s duty to listen to the people, especially in light of the recent support for fair maps among voters.

As the legal proceedings continue, Addams and her team are determined to ensure that the new map aligns with the non-partisan criteria established by voters. They represent a growing movement advocating for equitable governance in Utah and beyond.

For those interested in the mechanics of redistricting and the implications it has on democracy, research by the **Brennan Center for Justice** highlights how gerrymandering can manipulate political representation. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for active civic engagement, especially in today’s polarized climate.

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