Participatory Democracy & Voting Rights

Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy and a fundamental right upon which all our civil liberties rest. Through legislation, litigation, and voter education, the ACLU of Utah works to protect and expand Americans' freedom to vote, strives to keep Utah's public officials accountable, and to ensure that everyone's voice in Utah is heard.

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2024 Election Guide

Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy and a fundamental right upon which all our civil liberties rest. Through legislation, litigation, and voter education, the ACLU of Utah works to protect and expand Americans' freedom to vote, strives to keep Utah's public officials accountable, and to ensure that everyone's voice in Utah is heard.

The Latest

Press Release
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SCOTUS Decision: Supreme Court Strikes Down Louisiana Map and Destroys Key Voting Rights Act Provision

As a result, Black voters and other voters of color could face the elimination of districts across the country that have provided fair representation.
Press Release
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Joint Statement From the League of Women Voters of Utah, ACLU of Utah, and ACLU Voting Rights Project 

Plaintiffs Ask Court to Reject DOJ’s Unlawful Demand for Full Access to Utah Voter Rolls
Press Release
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League of Women Voters of Utah, ACLU of Utah, ACLU Voting Rights Project File Motion To Protect Utah Voters’ Privacy

Motion seeks to protect voters from the Trump administration’s demand for sensitive Utah voter data.
Press Release
Graphic for ACLU of Utah for veto letters to Gov. Cox

Veto Letter to Governor Cox on HB209

The ACLU of Utah strongly urges Governor Cox to veto House Bill 209, Voting Amendments.
Legislation
Mar 13, 2026

HB479 (Election Code Modifications)

HB479 was another attempt to gradually end Utah’s overwhelmingly popular vote-by-mail system. It revived many of the unpopular elements stripped out of HB300, the bill amending voting laws passed in 2025. HB479 would have required a voter to opt in every 8 years to return their ballot by mail, otherwise requiring them to return their mail ballot in person with a valid ID to either a polling location or a drop box staffed by two poll workers. This would have essentially required in-person voting for many Utahns.
Status: Victory: did not pass
Position: Oppose
Legislation
Mar 13, 2026

HB209 (Voting Amendments)

Like the proposed SAVE Act in the U.S. Congress, HB209 will require individuals to provide proof of citizenship to be able to vote in state elections. Under the bill, proof of citizenship would include a state ID that verifies your citizenship (such as your driver’s license if you provided proof of citizenship in your application), your birth certificate, passport, naturalization documents, or tribal identification card or Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood. This requirement will likely be burdensome to women or other voters who have undergone a name change, who will now need to provide even more documentation, such as a marriage certificate.    
Status: Enacted: Signed by governor
Position: Oppose