Utah Republicans are reforming election operations by introducing a bill that requires voters to opt in for mail-in ballots, diverging from the current universal system. The House passed the measure, which is expected to advance to the Senate. Concerns about accessibility for certain voter groups and systemic issues persist, despite the lack of evidence for widespread fraud.
Utah Republicans are undertaking a significant overhaul of election operations, beginning with a proposal to implement universal mail-in voting by requiring voters to opt in for ballot delivery. Recently passed by the House with a 57-15 vote, the new regulations stipulate that voters must provide the last four digits of their identification numbers when submitting mail ballots. This change would position Utah alongside only seven other states that offer universal mail-in voting, a status that House Speaker Mike Schultz has expressed dissatisfaction with given the state’s conservative values.
The bill will proceed to the Senate, where Republican leaders contributed to its formation. Senate President Stuart Adams has welcomed the current iteration of the bill, which is seen as a balanced approach to facilitate voting while ensuring security. An earlier proposal mandated in-person verification for ballot return, but Senate leaders rejected that requirement, aiming instead for more accessible voting processes assured against fraud.
Despite legislative auditors last year finding no widespread election fraud in Utah, concerns regarding election security persist among certain Republicans. House Minority Leader Angela Romero raised apprehensions that the new requirements could disadvantage specific voter demographics, particularly among the elderly, disabled, low-income, and rural populations. The majority of Utahns currently utilize mail-in voting, with election officials verifying signatures on submitted ballots.
Governor Spencer Cox has expressed confidence in the integrity of Utah’s electoral system; however, he has indicated a willingness to modify mail-in voting practices for expediting vote counting. Notably, the revised legislation would necessitate that all ballots be in possession of county clerks by 8 p.m. on Election Day, contrasting the existing procedure which allows ballots to be counted as long as they are postmarked by the day prior.
Additional election reform proposals are currently being reviewed, including transferring oversight from the lieutenant governor to an independent office led by a director appointed by county clerks. Other proposed changes encompass eliminating same-day voter registration, altering signature gathering protocols, and withdrawing from the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC), which assists states in maintaining accurate voter registration lists. Under the influence of former President Trump, numerous Republican-led states have distanced themselves from ERIC.
In summary, Utah Republicans are advancing a legislative agenda aimed at transforming the state’s election processes, notably through adjustments to mail-in voting and voter registration protocols. Concerns regarding accessibility and election integrity have emerged, particularly from Democratic leaders. As discussions progress, a range of significant reforms may reshape how Utah conducts elections in the future, reflecting ongoing debates about security and voter participation.
Original Source: apnews.com
