The referendum to overturn Utah’s controversial anti-union law has secured the required number of signatures in 11 state Senate districts — including the home districts of key Republican leadership.
Friday’s updated numbers reveal the referendum has hit signature targets in six additional Senate districts, including those represented by Senate President Stuart Adams and Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore — the co-sponsor of the measure.
Additionally, another 10 Senate districts have verified at least half of the required number of signatures, with six of those sitting at 70% or more.
For a referendum to reach the ballot, supporters must submit petitions with signatures equal to 8% of Utah registered voters, both statewide and in 15 of 29 Senate districts. As of Friday, the referendum sits at 85% of the statewide requirement.
The referendum campaign, led by the Protect Utah Workers coalition, initially submitted petitions containing about 320,000 signatures. With state officials reporting an impressive 84% validation rate earlier this week, the final tally could reach more than 260,000 valid signatures — more than doubling the requirement. Election officials have until May 7 to complete the signature verification process.
HB267, which was approved by the GOP-controlled Utah Legislature earlier this year, strips public employees of their rights to collectively bargain with employers.
If the referendum reaches the required number of signatures, the law goes on hold until voters decide whether to keep or veto the measure at the ballot box.
