With little discussion and even less fanfare, Utahns will vote on three changes to Utah’s constitution on Election day. Maryann Martindale, Better UTAH executive director, recently discussed the three constitutional amendments, and the rush job that got them on the ballot, in a weekend op-ed in the Salt Lake Tribune.
The last time the U.S. Constitution was amended was in 1992, when the 27th Amendment was ratified. It took two centuries to pass. With the caveat that state constitutions and the U.S. Constitution are different, it’s worth noting our own state constitution could be thrice amended after some light discussion during the state legislative session. Though 200 years is far too long, 45 days is far too little.
The three amendments seek changes to political balance on the Utah Tax Commission, the appointment of Lt. Governors and the hiring of attorneys for elected members of Utah’s executive branch. Those three amendments, known as A, B & C, all deserve sustained discussion. That didn’t happen this year. In the absence of that discussion, Martindale advises voters to make smart choices about when and how to change the constitution.
If you’re voting on substance, vote no on A and C, yes on B. If you’re voting on process, all should be rejected.
For more information about Utah’s proposed constitutional amendments, click here.
