You may view the Enrolled version of HB356 as a PDF file.
Here’s a concise summary and framework you can use to discuss or advocate around HB 356, its
implications, and proposed improvements:
Summary of HB 356: HB 356 fundamentally changes the way Summit County residents are
represented by:
Eliminating at-large elections in favor of geographic district elections for counties with a population under 260,000 using a Council-Manager system.
- Mandating district-based representation, reducing each voter’s influence from voting for five council members to just one.
- Establishing a districting commission largely dominated by municipal mayors, underrepresenting the unincorporated areas where 2/3 of the county population resides.
- Requiring the County Council to approve district maps without revision, even if the public expresses significant concern.
- Randomly assigning current council members to new districts, possibly severing community ties and accountability.
Key Concerns & Talking Points:
1 – Representation and Electoral Fairness
- Voters currently help elect all 5 council members, ensuring broad accountability.
- HB 356 limits representation to just one vote per voter per election cycle, potentially weakening county-wide responsiveness.
- Alternative structures (e.g., 4 districts + 1 at-large seat, or 3 districts + 2 at-large seats) could preserve broader accountability while still meeting goals of geographic representation.
2 – Districting Commission Makeup
The current setup gives disproportionate influence to the 6 incorporated municipalities.
- Proposal: Add at least 2 more representatives from unincorporated areas to the districting commission, reflecting their demographic majority.
- Ensure a balanced and fair voice for all county residents in the redistricting process.
3 – Public Input and Oversight
- HB 356 requires a public hearing—but gives no power to revise the proposed map.
- Recommendation: Allow the County Council limited authority to amend maps based
on public feedback and legal compliance.
4 – Assignment of Sitting Council Members
- Randomly assigning council members, regardless of where they live, is undemocratic and could create misaligned representation.
- Fair solution: If a council member resides in a new district, they should continue representing it.
- If multiple County Council members live in the same district, use a lottery only among those.
Suggested Next Steps
- Engage with legislators and request revisions during the expected special session.
- Advocate for amendments that preserve local control, democratic principles, and
fair representation.
Contact information
The Office of Gov. Spencer J. Cox
350 N. State Street, Suite 200
P.O. Box 142220
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2220
Phone: 801-538-1000
Toll Free: 800-705-2464
Comment Form for Governor Spencer Cox
Speaker of the House – Mike Schultz
[email protected]
Majority Assistant Whip – Casey Snider
[email protected]
Representative- District 4 – Tiara Auxier
[email protected]
Senate President – Stuart Adams
[email protected]
Senator-District 20 – Ron Winterton
[email protected]