This fall, in Utah, there'll be a lot of people talking about maps.
On September 17th, Senator Daniel Thatcher (District 11, Forward Party of Utah) submitted for public review a map of his authorship that he feels complies with requirements set forth in Federal and State law, and recently affirmed in Judge Gibson’s ruling. In a media appearance, he outlined why he believes the map is balanced, non-partisan, and simple.
While Forward Utah is not endorsing a specific map, we support Senator Thatcher in his efforts. Here's why:
The Forward Party of Utah does not prescribe specific platform solutions. Instead, we identify Priorities, and expect our candidates and elected officials to present their own plans for how to address those priorities. We also organize open discussions around those priorities.
Interested in joining the conversation? Read on:
[Note that as of 10/1 the email listed below will no longer be monitored. If there is broader interest in continuing the conversation after these developments, we will work to provide another forum for engagement. In the meantime, you are welcome to join the discussion on our Facebook Group Page or Discord Channel.]
Senator Thatcher's Map
Click here for the Shape Files
Click here for the KMZ File
The State Legislature also provides an online resource for the public to review and make their own districting maps.
- Visit https: https://redistricting.utah.gov/maps/, click "Draw and Submit Maps"
- Create or log into your account
- To find Sen. Thatcher's map, click "Open." The map name is Congress published by DanielWThatcher
Senator Thatcher's Explanation (Full Video)
Join the conversation by providing feedback
Send your emails to [email protected] - the Senator's staff will be monitoring this email.
Here are some questions that will help shape the debate:
- Do you think Senator Thatcher's map is fair and in accordance with the spirit of the law? Are there ways we can subtly change it to make it better?
- Do you the maps should be drawn to safely secure a proportional number of seats according to the political makeup of the state (3 for the GOP, and 1 for the Dems), or should they be drawn independent of the politics?
- Should one of the original Congressional maps proposed by the Independent Redistricting Commission in 2021 be used instead?
We welcome ALL FEEDBACK.
- If you have questions, we want you to ask them.
- If you are broadly supportive but you have ideas for adjustments, please submit your shapefiles (be sure to meet the criteria for them to be considered!)
- If you believe there's a better route and Senator Thatcher's map should be abandoned, let us know that too, and why!
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[Note that as of 10/1 the email listed above will no longer be monitored. If there is broader interest in continuing the conversation after these developments, we will work to provide another forum for engagement. In the meantime, you are welcome to join the discussion on our Facebook Group Page or Discord Channel.]
