A Utah judge declared Amendment D void, but the amendment will still appear on the state's ballot.
What is Amendment D?: An amendment to the state's constitution written by Utah Senate President Stuart Adams and House Speaker Mike Schultz would allow the Utah Legislature to amend laws passed by ballot initiative. It would also restrict foreign influence on initiative campaigns.
The decision came on Thursday in 3rd District Court, in response to a lawsuit filed by League of Women Voters of Utah and Mormon Women for Ethical Government who alleged the ballot language of a constitutional amendment was “deceptive,” and said the "rush to amend the constitution was unnecessary."
Supporters of the amendment say it would restore representative government and keep foreign interference out of Utah. Adams and Schultz defended the amendment language, calling it “straightforward.”
What happens next?: The amendment will remain on the ballot, but county clerks have been directed not to count the votes.
State lawmakers are expected to appeal the decision. Allowing the amendment to remain on the ballot makes it possible for voters to still weigh in, if the decision is reversed. But as of this week, votes on the amendment will not be counted.
Read more about Utah's proposed constitutional amendment.
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