
Policy
Elections
Securing the American institutions of self-government – such as free and fair elections – in a republic is a civic responsibility of every American citizen. It is an essential part of ensuring a new birth of freedom for future generations.
If government derives its power from the “consent of the governed,” as the Declaration of Independence states, then that consent must have a mechanism for being regularly expressed and renewed.
This is the role that secure elections play in America’s constitutional order: helping ensure the peaceful transfer of power and the opportunity of citizens to exercise their civic voice.
Sutherland Institute offers sound research and principled analysis on voting methods and election security. We do this to promote trusted and trustworthy voting systems and elevate the way the state of Utah assesses and refines this crucial process. We seek to protect public confidence in Utah’s elections by promoting positive reforms and increasing voters’ understanding of the security and access offered by Utah’s election procedures.
Conversations
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Why many election officials don't want to be a Republican or a Democrat
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Election officials should follow the law, not the party line
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Can election officials ever really be nonpartisan?
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Election officials should be neutral
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A public office that doesn't need a party label
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Your county clerk isn't your legislator
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Rethinking how we elect county clerks
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Should county clerks be nonpartisan? | Kevin Johnson & Brian McKenzie
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How Florida gets election results faster than California
Insights & Takeaways
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Utah can lead the nation on election official ethics
Read More: Utah can lead the nation on election official ethicsVoters should be assured that anyone who is capable and feels a civic duty to safeguard our republic can run to oversee elections, not just those who can raise money…
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Utah Election Reforms That Win Public Trust
Read More: Utah Election Reforms That Win Public TrustUtah voters are less confident in elections and less willing to re-elect their legislators when the law burdens their right to cast their ballot by mail, and more confident and…
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Freeing the States on Campaign Finance
Read More: Freeing the States on Campaign FinanceThe proposed For Our Freedom Amendment is currently the most important innovation in campaign finance regulation.
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Voter ID is important, so let’s get it right
Read More: Voter ID is important, so let’s get it rightMaking voter ID and mail-in voting requirements reasonable for voters advances election integrity by maintaining voter confidence and ensuring Utah voters are legally eligible to vote.
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Utah voters want more out of redistricting, and policymakers should give it to them
Read More: Utah voters want more out of redistricting, and policymakers should give it to themAs Utah revisits redistricting laws, voters overwhelmingly prefer elected leaders and a commission, not judges, shaping congressional maps. Polling reveals a clear path for reforms that reflect the people’s will.
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Survey: Utah voters think elected officials, not judges, should choose congressional maps
Read More: Survey: Utah voters think elected officials, not judges, should choose congressional mapsA new survey reveals Utah voters want elected officials, not judges, leading redistricting, with a commission providing support.









