My 8-year-old daughter is learning about democracy in school. She defines democracy simply as “we get to choose our own leaders.” Her definition pains my heart, as I wonder if she will be able to choose her own leaders when she is old enough to vote.
Among other things, I’m speaking of gerrymandering. I am a lifelong Republican. But I don’t want to cheat to win. It doesn’t matter if gerrymandering helps our side in the short run. In the long run, it hurts us all.
In August, I was so excited to see that Utah was leading the way to not gerrymander. But as the Utah Legislature continues to find ways to repeal Prop 4, I can see now that the fight isn’t over. As I see state after state cave to the pressure of gerrymandering, Utah must not cave. We need Utah to continue leading the way by showing people that we do not cheat to win. Utah needs to be an example of integrity to the rest of the country, even if we stand alone. Otherwise, our children will not get to choose their own leaders.
Jessica Heath
Spanish Fork