
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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Civics Refresher: The roles of the Utah State Legislature and Congress
Read More: Civics Refresher: The roles of the Utah State Legislature and CongressWhile casting your vote, it’s important to keep geography and term lengths in mind when considering what could reasonably be accomplished by elected officials.
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Promises to defend the Constitution come with strings
Read More: Promises to defend the Constitution come with stringsHow can a voter know if an elected official is actually keeping their promise? Here are some points from the oath of office.
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Q&A: Mail-in voting and Utah’s election process
Read More: Q&A: Mail-in voting and Utah’s election processHow is Utah ensuring transparency and security in its elections? Sutherland’s Derek Monson has the answers.
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This primary election season, recognize that secure elections require public trust
Read More: This primary election season, recognize that secure elections require public trustPromoting public trust in secure elections is both a civic duty and a matter of enlightened self-interest in maintaining the power of the people manifested through voting.
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Building trust in the election process
Read More: Building trust in the election processHow are policymakers working to ensure elections remain trusted – and trustworthy – in 2024 and beyond?
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What you need to know about the upcoming state party conventions
Read More: What you need to know about the upcoming state party conventionsThe two major political parties are about to hold their state conventions. Here’s what you need to know.









