The mail-in ballot fight between the state and federal government raises the question: Do Utahns have trust in our elections, and confidence in the results? Our panel of experts weighs in on how the issue is impacting local elections, and what voters can do to better understand the process. On this episode, host Jason Perry opens discussion on the history behind Utah's now-popular way to vote, and what mail-in voting could look like from here.
THE DEEPER DIVE:
• ️ With a state versus federal debate unfolding over mail-in voting, we address voter trust and confidence in the upcoming election and results. What can voters do to understand and participate in the process? We break down the distinction between election fraud and election error.
• Lieutenant Governor Diedre Henderson said in an interview with PBS Utah that she would be in favor of some sort of federal ID requirement to vote, but not through bills like the SAVE Act that called for immediate action. Our panelists weigh in on the implementation of that kind of legislation, and what the Lieutenant Governor is facing as we head toward the midterm elections.
• ⏱️ How did Utah develop its mail-in ballot system in the first place? It started with a desire to increase voter turnout and accessibility for rural voters. We dive into the timeline and history, and explore why mail-in voting is still the top choice for voters.
• ✅ Utah passed a law that requires voters to opt-in to mail-in voting. Hear discussion on the rollout and why some panelists hope the law can continue to be tweaked in future legislative sessions.
• Voter confidence appears to be declining. With lawmakers passing dozens of elections laws in the last few years, we debate the role of elected leaders play in shaping that narrative and what can be done to rebuild trust.
️ FEATURING:
• Amelia Powers Gardner – Utah County Commissioner
• Lannie Chapman – Salt Lake County Clerk
• Ben Winslow – Fox 13 Reporter
Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley
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