Utah lawmakers are pushing for changes to speed up election results after the state was one of the slowest to update results in November. Rep. Doug Fiefia introduced a bill that would set new deadlines for election clerks, require mail-in ballots to arrive before polls close to be counted, and make other significant changes to ensure quicker results. Governor Spencer Cox and Republican leaders agree that changes are needed to improve confidence in the election process. Fiefia’s bill is modeled after Florida’s system, known for early results despite a larger population. However, these changes would require additional resources and potential costs. Weber County Clerk Ricky Hatch believes that implementing new deadlines for mail-in ballots may not necessarily make the process easier, as many voters still arrive on Election Day seeking provisional ballots. Fiefia anticipates increased advertising to educate voters on the new rules and deadlines if the bill passes. House Speaker Mike Schultz emphasizes the importance of streamlining ballot counting and ensuring ID verification to eliminate uncertainty and restore faith in the election process. The proposed changes aim to address concerns over slow election results and increase overall confidence in Utah’s voting system.
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