HB 479: Election Code Modifications - Utah

Substitute #2 → Substitute #3 · 6 edits

MODERATE

This bill significantly restricts mail-in voting in Utah by requiring voters to actively request both receiving and returning ballots by mail every eight years, starting in 2029. It also mandates that ballot drop boxes be attended by at least two poll workers and requires voters to show identification to poll workers when returning ballots in person. Additionally, the bill expands emergency ballot access to individuals with disabilities who cannot travel to a polling place.

Scope change

The bill narrows the scope of mail-in voting eligibility, shifting from a default system where active voters receive ballots automatically to one requiring explicit, periodic opt-in requests.

REQUIREMENT

Beginning in 2029, voters must make a specific request to receive a ballot by mail and a separate request to return a ballot by mail at least once every eight years; otherwise, they will not receive or be permitted to return ballots by mail.

Ballot drop boxes may only be used when attended by at least two poll workers, and voters must present valid identification to a poll worker before depositing a ballot.

ELIGIBILITY

Emergency ballots are now available to individuals with disabilities who are restricted in their ability to travel from their residence to a polling place.

TIMELINE

Voter registration forms and driver license applications will include new questions asking voters how they wish to receive and return ballots in future elections.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'valid voter identification' was updated to include various forms of ID, and the process for verifying identity at ballot drop boxes was formalized.

TECHNICAL

Several sections regarding election procedures, definitions, and forms were amended to conform to the new mail-in voting restrictions and drop box requirements.

Substitute #1 → Substitute #2 · 6 edits

MODERATE

This bill modifies Utah's election code to implement a new voter mail-in ballot opt-in system effective in 2029, requiring voters to explicitly request both receiving and returning ballots by mail every eight years. It also strengthens ballot drop box security by mandating two poll workers must be present, requires voters to show ID at drop boxes, and expands emergency ballot access for individuals with disabilities who cannot travel to polling places.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of emergency ballot provisions to include individuals with disabilities restricted in their ability to travel, and adds new requirements for ballot drop box operations and voter registration forms.

REQUIREMENT

Beginning in 2029, voters must actively opt-in to receive and return ballots by mail; ballots will not be mailed or accepted by mail unless a request is made at least every eight years.

Ballot drop boxes must be attended by at least two poll workers, and voters must present valid identification to poll workers before depositing a ballot.

Voter registration forms and driver license applications now include questions asking voters how they want to receive and return ballots in future elections.

ELIGIBILITY

Emergency ballots are now available to individuals with disabilities who are restricted in their ability to travel from their residence to a polling place.

TIMELINE

New requirements for mail-in ballot opt-in and drop box security take effect starting January 1, 2029.

DEFINITION

New definitions were added for 'ballot drop box' and 'remote ballot' to clarify procedures for returning ballots.

Introduced → Substitute #1 · 6 edits

MODERATE

This bill modifies Utah's election code to shift the default voting method from mail-in to in-person voting, requiring voters to actively request mail ballots. It introduces stricter identification requirements for returning ballots at drop boxes (requiring two poll workers and ID verification) and mandates that voters re-request mail ballots every eight years. The bill also expands emergency ballot access for individuals with disabilities and enforces stricter penalties for disclosing private voter information.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of voter identification requirements to include ballot drop box returns and extends the applicability of emergency ballots to individuals with disabilities who cannot travel.

REQUIREMENT

Changed the default voting method so voters no longer automatically receive mail ballots; they must actively request them, with automatic cessation of mail ballots after eight years of non-request.

Mandated that ballot drop boxes must be attended by at least two poll workers and require voters to present valid ID before depositing a ballot.

Established a new process requiring voters to apply for and provide valid ID to return ballots by mail, rather than doing so automatically.

ELIGIBILITY

Expanded the definition of 'hospitalized voter' to include individuals with disabilities restricted in their ability to travel, granting them access to emergency mail-in ballots.

TIMELINE

Set specific effective dates for new requirements, with most changes taking effect January 1, 2027, and mail-in ballot request requirements starting January 1, 2029.

ENFORCEMENT

Strengthened penalties for disclosing private voter information and required specific redactions in political disclosure reports.

Election Code Modifications

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