Imagine a group of everyday people, driven by their deepest beliefs, stepping up to challenge the very way their state draws its political maps—maps that could decide who represents millions in Congress. It's a story of faith meeting democracy, and it's unfolding right now in Utah. But here's where it gets controversial: what if this push for fairness is seen by some as meddling in a system that's supposed to be left to elected officials? Stick around, because this tale reveals how one lawsuit is shaking up redistricting nationwide, and it might just change how you view your own vote.
Meet Emma Petty Addams, a talented pianist and teacher whose musical life has taken a backseat to something she calls even more vital: the health of our democratic republic. 'That's who I am at my core,' she shared with a chuckle during our chat, 'and I'll return to the keys once this chapter closes. For now, though, safeguarding democracy feels like the melody I need to play.' Addams leads Mormon Women for Ethical Government, or MWEG, a key player in a legal battle that's compelling Utah's lawmakers to redraw the lines for the state's four congressional districts.
We sat down in her cozy suburban home in Salt Lake City, where she was joined by Vicki Reid, another MWEG member and one of the individual plaintiffs. Reid, a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, views this fight as an extension of her spiritual values. 'One hymn that resonates deeply with me is "Do what is right, let the consequences follow,"' she explained, pointing to the sheet music resting on Addams' piano. And those consequences? They're echoing through the Utah Legislature this very week—and potentially across the entire country.
This redistricting drama is happening against the backdrop of President Trump's aggressive campaign to redraw maps in Republican-leaning states, aiming to bolster his party's grip on the House of Representatives. Trump has blasted the court's decision, urging Utahns to be 'outraged at their activist judiciary.' Yet, under a judge's directive spurred by MWEG's lawsuit, the legislature approved a fresh district map on Monday that could boost Democrats' odds of securing a seat in this staunchly Republican state come next year's elections. The map awaits judicial scrutiny, but it's already stirring debate.
Utah's Republican leaders are complying with the court, but they're far from thrilled. State Rep. Candice Pierucci voiced her frustration in an interview, arguing that lawmakers, not outside groups with their own funding and agendas, truly represent the people. 'These plaintiffs aren't accountable to Utah's voters,' she insisted. 'They answer to their donors and members instead.'
Normally, states tweak their district boundaries every decade after the census to reflect population shifts. But Trump has spurred early redistricting in places like Texas and Missouri to favor Republican candidates, with more states possibly following suit. And this is the part most people miss: MWEG's efforts predated Trump's push. They've been advocating for fair maps long before the national spotlight turned on.
Laura Eyi, Vicki Reid, and Emma Petty Addams gathered in Addams' home for our discussion. Saige Miller/NPR hide caption
Saige Miller/NPR
MWEG has been championing redistricting reforms since 2017, born from a response to what they describe as 'dehumanizing behavior' in politics. With around 9,000 members nationwide—mostly from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—about 40% identify as Republicans (including Addams herself), 34% as Democrats, and the rest as independents or third-party supporters. Public relations manager Laura Eyi notes that while members often clash on issues, their shared faith fosters respect. 'When church members engage in community and political matters, they do so by upholding the dignity of those they disagree with,' Eyi said. 'It stems from a place of deep conviction.'
Their focus on strengthening democracy led them to redistricting. 'In states like Texas, it's often a partisan showdown between Democrats and Republicans,' Addams clarified. 'But in Utah, we're uniting across party lines for a principled stand, aiming to create the most representative government possible.' To illustrate, redistricting is like redrawing neighborhood boundaries to ensure each area has a fair say in elections—think of it as balancing a scale so no group gets unfairly weighted.
Back in 2018, Utah voters approved an independent commission to handle redistricting, hoping to curb partisan gerrymandering—the practice of twisting district shapes to advantage one party, like carving up a city to dilute its voting power. But the Republican-dominated legislature reclaimed control, effectively sidelining the initiative. They crafted a map that fragmented Salt Lake County, the state's most Democratic stronghold, across four congressional districts.
In 2022, MWEG, alongside the League of Women Voters and individual plaintiffs, filed suit. A district court judge ruled that the legislature had exceeded its authority, mandating the current redistricting. Reid, a moderate Republican who partnered with her Democratic husband in the lawsuit, emphasized the public's voice. 'Even in a red state like Utah, over half the voters supported fair maps,' she pointed out. 'Lawmakers have a duty to heed that, and they weren't.'
Republicans counter that the state constitution assigns map-drawing solely to the legislature. 'Period,' Pierucci told NPR, vowing appeals if necessary. For the moment, the newly passed map heads back to the judge for review, with MWEG and allies getting a chance to comment. Addams argues it still falls short of the non-partisan standards voters demanded. 'MWEG stands with thousands of Utahns who voiced opposition to the legislature's partisan gerrymander, which breaches those voter-set guidelines,' she stated.
This situation raises big questions: Is faith a valid motivator for political activism, or does it blur lines between church and state? And what about Trump's call for outrage—does it reflect a genuine concern for democracy, or is it just partisan maneuvering? Controversially, some might argue that courts overstepping into redistricting undermines elected representatives, while others see it as a necessary check against unfair power grabs. What do you think? Does MWEG's approach honor democracy, or is it an overreach? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with the court's role here, or disagree? Let's discuss!
