Alliance for a Better Utah continues to oppose HB 300 as it passes out of Senate Committee
Salt Lake City, UT – Today, HB 300, the controversial voter ID bill that would make significant changes to vote-by-mail in Utah, passed out favorably from the Senate Business and Labor Committee this evening in a 5-3 vote.
The bill has been a target of concern from county clerks, voter rights advocates, and the general public for adding hurdles to a successful and beloved system, giving credence to voter fraud conspiracy theories, and its $3 million + price tag.
Chase Thomas, Senior Policy Advisor for Alliance for a Better Utah, issued the following statement:
“Utahns have greatly benefited from the convenience and security of universal vote-by-mail. Our current system has made it easier for Utahns across our state to participate in elections, as evidenced by the growth in voter turnout since it was implemented over a decade ago.
By requiring voters to opt-in to vote-by-mail and jump through additional hurdles, HB 300 would create unnecessary barriers to participation in our self-governance. We urge the Senate to reject HB 300 and maintain Utah’s current universal vote-by-mail system. This system has been a success, is safe and secure, is convenient, and it is essential to ensuring that all Utahns have equal access to the ballot box.”
Vote-by-mail was established as an option for Utahns by the Legislature in 2012, in part as a reaction to low voter turnout in the state. In 2006, turnout in the state hit an abysmal low of just 44.73%, and in the last year before vote-by-mail, 2010, turnout was only 51.55%. Utah’s voter turnout has now increased to 85.26%.
###
Alliance for a Better Utah is a nonprofit that holds politicians accountable and advocates for progressive policies that make Utah an even better place. The organization improves the lives of all Utahns through advocacy, transparency, and accountability in Utah politics, policy, and government. More information at www.betterutah.org.
