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This event has concluded. You can watch the recorded discussions, review photos and read press coverage below.

Election security has become a contentious issue. Trust in elections is high in Utah but declining nationally. Rhetorical attacks on voting and electoral outcomes have prompted death threats against local election officials, leading to burnout among experienced election leaders.

The Election Trust Forum brought together election officials, policy makers, civic leaders, and state and national experts to discuss election security and public trust. Their lectures were aimed to help us ensure elections remain trusted – and trustworthy – in Utah and beyond.

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Welcome messages from Gary R. Herbert, 17th Governor of Utah, and Deidre Henderson, Lieutenant Governor of Utah.
In the first plenary panel of the “Election Trust Forum,” panelists discussed the importance of supporting election administrators. They urged voters to learn about the election process, address any concerns with their county clerk, and recognize the good work that election officials do to secure their votes.
In the second plenary panel of the forum, panelists addressed the importance of process and transparency in media reporting. They touched on how media outlets work to verify information before reporting to avoid the spread of misinformation.
“Support Election Administrators” panelists included Phil McGrane, Idaho Secretary of State, and Ryan Cowley, Director of Utah Elections. Justin Jones, Executive Director of the Herbert Institute, moderated the panel.
“Media Reporting and Election Trust” panelists included Lauren Gustus, Executive Editor of the Salt Lake Tribune, and Doug Wilks, Executive Editor of the Deseret News. Boyd Matheson, Host of KSL Inside Sources, moderated the panel.
This "Election Trust Forum” was hosted by the UVU Herbert Institute, Sutherland Institute, and SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins on May 7, 2024. The forum brought together election officials, policymakers, civic leaders, and state and national experts to discuss election security and public trust in Utah and beyond. Election Trust Forum: Welcome “Support Election Administrators” & “Media Reporting & Election Trust”

Election Trust Forum: Welcome “Support Election Administrators” & “Media Reporting & Election Trust”

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