Utah becomes first state to phase out universal mail ballot system – Washington Examiner
Utah has become the first state to phase out its universal mail ballot system, as Governor Spencer Cox signed legislation aimed at changing the state’s voting procedures. Previously, Utah sent mail ballots to all registered voters, a practice that had been in place before it became more widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic. The expansion of mail-in voting faced opposition from Republicans who raised concerns about potential fraud, although state officials have denied any notable fraud during the existing system.
The new law, known as HB 300, will require voters to request mail ballots actively, with options available during voter registration, when applying online, or at polling locations. Voter preferences for receiving mail ballots will be retained for eight years unless canceled by the voter. The legislation passed with a strong majority in both the state Senate and House.
Governor Cox expressed his support for the bill, emphasizing the need to restore trust in the electoral system while dismissing claims of widespread election fraud. With Utah’s move, only seven other states currently send out mail ballots to all registered voters.
Utah becomes first state to phase out universal mail ballot system
Gov. Spencer Cox (R-UT) signed into law legislation phasing out the Utah’s universal mail ballot system, making it the first state to repeal such a system.
Utah began sending mail ballots to all registered voters years before the practice was popularized during the COVID-19 pandemic. The expansion of mail-in ballot circulation to include all registered voters was met with pushback from Republicans who allege it could lead to fraud. Beehive State officials have denied any widespread fraud occurred during the implementation of the policy.
The legislation, HB 300, would make multiple changes to election laws in Utah, including requiring voters to file a request in order to receive a mail ballot. The option would be available to voters when registering to vote, making a request online, voting at a polling location, or getting a new state driver’s license or identification card.
After a voter requests a mail ballot be sent to them, his or her preference will be saved for eight years, unless the voter cancels the preference before then, per the legislation.
The bill passed 19-10 in the state Senate and 56-15 in the state House. Cox signed the bill Wednesday, alongside 99 other pieces of legislation, offering no immediate comment on the law.
Earlier this month, Cox expressed support for the changes to the state’s voting measures while also pushing back on discussion of the system causing fraud.
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“I’m very supportive of it. I think it’s a brilliant bill,” Cox said at a press conference. “Lots of people wrongly believe that we have mass fraud in our elections, and it’s just not true, but we need to restore trust to them as well.”
With Utah phasing out universal mail-in voting, only seven other states send out mail ballots to all registered voters. The other states are California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont and Washington.
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