We often have political discussions in our family, with the passion of others who have fought hard for women’s rights and voting

It is ever more crucial to vote this midterm election. I have written about voting before, and I won’t stop advocating for it. Differences are what make America. Whether you are a Democrat, Republican, or other affiliated party, your voice matters.

I have one strong opinion on Amendment B: Vote No.

We the people need our rights, not less of them, and that is what Amendment B would do if you voted Yes. According to an article from MWEG (Mormon Women for Ethical Government):

Ethical government depends on avoiding power concentration. Maintain a healthy balance of power. Constitutional changes affecting the balance of power between citizens and our government deserve especially careful scrutiny.

Utah’s Constitution places legislative power in both the Legislature and the people. The citizen initiative process is our constitutionally guaranteed right to propose laws, which we have used sparingly over the past 130 years. Citizen initiatives are the constitutionally protected method for Utahns to pass laws about issues that are not being addressed by the Legislature.

Amendment B would make it harder for citizens to exercise our legislative authority, while leaving the Legislature’s own authority to enact tax legislation unchanged. Amendment B would make it even harder for Utahns to use their constitutional power to propose and pass laws.

We do not want this as citizens. It would be a huge change, giving the Legislature more power than it should have, and that is already an issue. We need the people to have a voice. Silence is complicity.

When I vote no on Amendment B, I think of the immigrants who made this country.

When I vote no on Amendment B, I think of farmers working hard, endless days.

When I vote no on Amendment B, I am reminded that I too once worked not one but 3 jobs at once, at jobs I really enjoyed but for minimum wage, barely making ends meet.

Because of the Legislature, they can make that minimum wage higher with the people’s voice

When I vote no on Amendment B, I think of healthcare and the importance of healthcare workers.

Vote no this midterm.

Vote for your voice.

Vote for your freedoms.

Ms. Daryl Embley is a political advocate and a resident of Pleasant Grove.