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Last November, after years of anticipation, I was finally able to cast my first vote in a presidential election. To my relief and surprise, the process was quick, easy, and simple. I received my ballot through mail, discussed candidates and issues with family members, filled out my choices, and dropped off my ballot at the nearest drop box. This voting experience is one the majority of Utahns share, made possible by Utah’s vote-by-mail system—one that 96.7% of Utahns use, rely, and trust on to cast their votes.
Given the faith and reliance Utahns and I share in our vote-by-mail system, this year’s theme around voter system reform is puzzling to me. Multiple bills this legislative session are aiming to change Utah’s vote-by-mail as we know it, with HB 213, HB 300, and HB 445 being amongst them. HB 300 specifically, would essentially get rid of universal vote-by-mail—creating various barriers the vote-by-mail system was implemented to eliminate.
The history of voter participation in Utah is a complex one. Nearly 20 years ago, in 2006, voter turnout was an abysmal 44.72%. Local election participation was even worse with several cities and towns reporting single-digit numbers. Clearly, something needed to be done to address lack of voter participation in Utah. Vote-by-mail, introduced in 2013, proved to be the solution. Voter turnout has now increased to 85.27% with more than 75% of Utahns expressing their confidence in the system—not perfect, but impressive.
Given positive increases in voter engagement all throughout the state, there is no logical explanation as to why lawmakers are prioritizing voter reform this session. Though lawmakers can cite voter fraud and question voter integrity, the reality is these concerns are baseless. Research, as conducted in Utah’s 2024 election audit, demonstrates that there has been no significant voter fraud found. In fact, recently found discrepancies have been with ballots cast in-person, not through mail; as found in a Utah’s Election Office report.
These facts make urgency in voter reforms even more confusing. There is no reason as to why Utahns should have to request their ballots be mailed to them every eight years to cast their vote, as described in HB 300. Us Utahn’s deserve legislative efforts be placed in making the voting process easier and more accessible, not more difficult and complex.
The effects voter reform bills like HB 300 will have on Utahns if passed cannot be overstated. Working professionals, rural voters, elderly citizens, busy parents, and college students would suddenly face barriers limiting their access to the polls, if implemented. This would, without a doubt, impact voter turnout immensely, effectively diminishing the progress Utah has fought so hard to improve.
This legislative session, Utahns rightfully expected bills that would address their main concerns and priorities. Legislation on housing, air quality, and protecting the Great Salt Lake however have received little to no attention. We Utahns deserve better. It is time for our legislators to listen to the needs of the people—not alter a system so many Utahns rely and depend on.
It’s not too late to have your voice heard. Urge your Senators to vote no to harmful voter legislation like HB 300. Express your concerns by clicking the link below and customizing a personalized letter for your Senators.
Learn more at https://act.betterutah.org/letter/stop-hb300-Utah-2025/
