About time!
In a bold move to protect the integrity of the ballot box, Utah Governor Spencer Cox (R) has signed a bill that will end automatic vote-by-mail across the state—starting in 2029.
Under the new law, Utah will no longer send mail-in ballots to every registered voter by default. Instead, voters must actively request a mail-in ballot. It’s a significant win for election transparency and a step many conservatives say is long overdue.
Here’s What’s Changing:
✅ No More Automatic Ballots: Starting in 2029, counties will stop sending mail-in ballots to all voters.
✅ Easy Opt-In: Voters can request a mail-in ballot online, during voter registration, at the polls, or while getting a driver’s license or ID.
✅ 8-Year Option: If you vote in every regular election, your mail-in ballot status remains valid for eight years.
✅ Tighter Deadlines: Ballots must now be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day—not just postmarked.
This updated timeline aligns closely with President Donald Trump’s renewed call for election reform. Just this week, Trump signed an executive order targeting states that count late-arriving ballots in federal elections. The order is designed to crack down on what many see as loopholes that undermine confidence in our elections.
Silent But Significant
Interestingly, Gov. Cox made no mention of the election reform in his press statement, despite its sweeping impact. The legislation was passed by Utah’s GOP-majority Legislature earlier this month with strong support from election integrity advocates.
Why This Matters for 2026 and Beyond
Conservatives across the country have been demanding tighter controls on mail-in voting ever since the controversies surrounding the 2020 election. Utah’s move sends a clear message: Election integrity matters.