In a significant move, Utah’s House, predominantly controlled by Republicans, has passed a bill that could reshape the state’s mail-in voting system. With a vote count of 57-15, the bill mandates that voters actively opt-in to receive mail ballots, departing from the current system of automatic distribution. This adjustment also introduces a requirement for voters to include the last four digits of their driver’s license or state ID number on mailed or drop box ballots starting next year.
The proposal, if enacted, would distinguish Utah from a handful of states conducting elections entirely by mail without needing voters to opt-in. House Speaker Mike Schultz expressed dissatisfaction with Utah being grouped with states like Washington and California in this practice, citing ideological differences. The bill is now under consideration in the Senate, which has already been involved in shaping its provisions. Senate President Stuart Adams appears to support the compromise, despite concerns that initial drafts were excessively restrictive.
This proposed change comes amidst a backdrop of national mixed messages about mail-in voting, particularly after former President Donald Trump criticized the practice as fraudulent following his 2020 defeat. Even with subsequent campaigns urging Republicans to embrace mail-in voting to compete with Democrats in future elections, some Utah Republicans remain skeptical about election security. Notably, legislative auditors have not found significant fraud but did report administrative delays concerning voter rolls.
Opponents of the bill, including House Minority Leader Angela Romero, warn of potential voter confusion and impediments, especially among demographics such as the elderly, disabled, low-income, and rural citizens. Romero argues these groups may find it challenging to navigate additional layers of bureaucracy or acquire necessary ID forms. Notably, Utah currently requires identification for voter registration but not photo ID for ballot casting.
The measure was met with resistance from all House Democrats and one Republican, who believe that efforts to amend a functioning system might diminish public confidence in the elections. The prevailing method in Utah involves significant reliance on mail ballots, with rigorous signature verification by election officials. Although Governor Spencer Cox recognizes Utah’s election integrity, he shows openness to changes aimed at expediting election results. He underscores that delayed outcomes can erode public trust in election processes.
Requiring ballots to be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day represents another major alteration; currently, ballots postmarked by the day before can still be counted later. The legislative session may also see other election-related proposals, including reassigning the chief election role from the lieutenant governor to an independent office and suggestions to end same-day registration and refine procedures around citizen initiatives. Furthermore, there is momentum to withdraw from the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC), aligning with several GOP-led states withdrawing on former President Trump’s counsel.
