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Official Statement on Idaho’s Open Primaries Initiative
Today the Idaho chapter of Mormon Women for Ethical Government joins the Idahoans for Open Primaries coalition in supporting representative government through free and open elections. This support is a manifestation of our commitment to peacemaking within our community and our determination to advocate for democratic processes wherein every voter can meaningfully participate. In 2011, after nearly a century of open primaries, the Idaho legislature adopted a closed primary law requiring voters to register with a party in order to vote in the primary election — the election of most consequence in Idaho. This change stripped more than a quarter of a million independent voters of their ability to cast…
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MWEG Arizona Values the Voice of the People
The MWEG Arizona chapter is working to defend and support the rights of citizens to participate in government. One of MWEG’s principles of ethical government states: “Political structures and electoral systems should be designed to maximize participation of and provide equitable access to all citizens in a society.” Christie Black, one of MWEG Arizona’s chapter leaders, wrote about this issue and some of the ballot propositions Arizona voters will have the opportunity to vote on in the upcoming election: Democracy thrives when all people have the opportunity to use their voices, both through principled voting and participation in the civic process. Civic engagement is sacred and must not be diminished.…
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Call to Action: Ask the Utah Legislature to Require Transparency, Accountability, and Legality in Projects Seeking to Restore Utah Lake by Passing HB240
Utah Lake is a treasured and priceless resource in the state of Utah. In 2018, the Utah Legislature passed HB272. This legislation gave a body of non-elected officials power to dispose of sovereign lakebed and lakeshore properties for development projects that would promise to restore the lake. Concerns about the lack of accountability and transparency of this process have led legislators to propose HB240 Utah Lake Amendments. This amendment would require that any such disposal of properties be approved by the Utah Legislature and the governor, who must first determine that restoration projects are practically, fiscally, and constitutionally sound. TO DO Contact your Utah legislators to encourage them to pass…
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Official Statement from the Arizona Chapter of Mormon Women for Ethical Government on the ACC Energy Rules Vote
We believe the land and the air around us are a gift, and we are responsible for their care. Individual efforts to “safeguard the earth and her resources for our children and generations that follow” are important but insufficient on their own. Reasonable, well-written policies can help to ensure sustainability. Last Wednesday, January 26, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC), by a vote of 3-2, rejected the Energy Rules package that would have required the state’s regulated electric utilities to reduce their carbon emissions to combat climate change. The Energy Rules were drafted over a period of several years and drew upon judgment from industry experts, public utility companies, and Arizona…
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Arizona Call to Action: Ask Sen. Sinema to Continue to Champion Voting Rights by Ensuring That Procedural Changes Allow Voting Legislation
The Senate majority leader has indicated that there will be a cloture vote on the Freedom to Vote Act (FTVA) and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (JLVRAA) this month. If these votes to open discussion on the bills are overcome by the filibuster, he has promised there will be talks about procedural changes in the Senate, including a conversation on adjusting the filibuster to allow important issues of the day to be debated. The filibuster can be used to protect the voice of the minority and to force meaningful dialogue on issues presented to the Senate. However, it also has a less noble history as a tool to…
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MWEG UT Official Statement on 2021 Redistricting
Yesterday the Utah House and Senate discarded the fair and transparent Independent Redistricting Commission maps and instead passed the redistricting maps created by the Legislative Redistricting Committee. We are concerned that what we have just witnessed, especially with regards to the congressional map, is a clear attempt by legislators to exercise undue influence over voters, doing so in a way that does not engender trust in processes or follow standards of transparency. We recognize that these maps have passed with a veto proof majority, but the governor has not only refused to speak in defense of the people of Utah, he has justified his disengagement by claiming he is doing…
