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Gehrke: How a changing Utah population may lead to a more politically balanced state

What might it take for Utah to change from a solidly red state politically to a more purplish hue? Perhaps it’s just a matter of time.

We all know Utah’s population has been exploding. It was the fastest-growing state in 2016 and has been among the fastest growing states for decades. Between 2000 and 2010, just two states — Nevada and Arizona — saw more growth.

But dig deeper into those trends and forecast what they mean for our future, and you’ll see a strikingly different Utah than we’ve seen in the past — socially, ethnically, religiously and even politically.