Judge denies dismissal of gerrymadering lawsuit

SALT LAKE CITY — A judge has denied multiple motions to dismiss a redistricting lawsuit.

The lawsuit aims to overturn Utah’s new congressional map will move forward in the courts.

Defendants in the legislature argued that this is a political issue and should be handled by the legislature as a result. The judge denied the request meaning the case will be heard.

Better Boundaries Executive Director Katie Wright issued a statement, “This decision means Utahns will finally and officially get their day in court, in spite of exhaustive attempts to delay justice. The extreme and egregious gerrymandering passed by our state legislature will be on display when the court hears this case.”

The groups filing it, The League of Women’s Voters and Mormon Women for Ethical Government say in their lawsuit that the current map prevents meaningful participation in elections. 

“We look forward to the day when Utah voters can finally pick their own politicians, not the other way around,” said Wright. 

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