Utah Republicans seek to revise the state’s election operations, starting with a bill that eliminates automatic mail-in ballots, requiring voters to opt in. The proposal aims to boost confidence and security, though critics warn it may complicate voting for certain groups. Key changes include needing voter ID for mail-in ballots and shifting election oversight to an independent office.
Republicans in Utah are set to modify the state’s election mechanisms, starting with changes to the universal mail-in voting system. The House has approved a bill requiring voters to opt in for mail-in ballots, a significant departure from the current automatic system. Under this new proposal, voters must also provide the last four digits of their driver’s license or state ID number when returning their mail-in ballots, aiming to enhance security and efficiency within the electoral process.
The measure, which passed the House by a vote of 57-15, has drawn attention as it would align Utah with only seven other states that require such voter consent for mail-in ballots. House Speaker Mike Schultz expressed dissatisfaction with being grouped with states that he perceives to have less conservative electoral practices. The bill is now moving to the Republican-controlled Senate, where leaders have supported the current amendments.
Senate President Stuart Adams indicated contentment with the bill’s developments, while earlier versions had been more stringent by requiring in-person ID verification for mail-in ballot returns. Senator Mike McKell emphasized the focus on easily accessible voting while maintaining security measures, reflecting a compromise among Republican legislators.
Despite President Donald Trump’s unfounded claims regarding widespread fraud in mail-in voting, some Utah Republicans harbor concerns regarding election security. Legislative audits conducted last year found no significant fraud in state elections, although issues with deceased individuals remaining on voter rolls were identified.
Opponents, including House Minority Leader Angela Romero, argue that the new regulations may complicate the voting process, particularly disadvantaging vulnerable populations. Critics, including all House Democrats and one Republican, contend that the existing system is functional and fears that alterations might erode public trust in elections.
Utah has seen a high volume of votes cast via mail, with election officials ensuring the integrity of ballots through signature matching. Governor Spencer Cox reassured residents about the integrity of Utah’s elections, although he is open to reforms that could expedite vote counting.
The proposed changes stipulate that all mail-in ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day, contrasting with the current allowance for ballots postmarked by the preceding day to be counted over the following two weeks. Additional election-related proposals include transferring oversight from the lieutenant governor to an independent office and eliminating same-day voter registration.
Utah Republicans are pushing for significant changes to the state’s election processes, particularly affecting the universal mail-in voting system. The proposed legislation, requiring voter opt-in for mail-in ballots, raises concerns about accessibility for vulnerable voter populations. Furthermore, the ongoing changes signal a broader trend among GOP-controlled states to reform election operations while navigating issues of trust and efficiency within electoral systems. As developments proceed, the implications for voter turnout and confidence in election integrity remain to be seen.
Original Source: apnews.com
