Policy
Elections
Securing the American institutions of self-government – such as free and fair elections – in a republic is a civic responsibility of every American citizen. It is an essential part of ensuring a new birth of freedom for future generations.
If government derives its power from the “consent of the governed,” as the Declaration of Independence states, then that consent must have a mechanism for being regularly expressed and renewed.
This is the role that secure elections play in America’s constitutional order: helping ensure the peaceful transfer of power and the opportunity of citizens to exercise their civic voice.
Sutherland Institute offers sound research and principled analysis on voting methods and election security. We do this to promote trusted and trustworthy voting systems and elevate the way the state of Utah assesses and refines this crucial process. We seek to protect public confidence in Utah’s elections by promoting positive reforms and increasing voters’ understanding of the security and access offered by Utah’s election procedures.
Elections
Securing the American institutions of self-government – such as free and fair elections – in a republic is a civic responsibility of every American citizen. It is an essential part of ensuring a new birth of freedom for future generations.
If government derives its power from the “consent of the governed,” as the Declaration of Independence states, then that consent must have a mechanism for being regularly expressed and renewed.
This is the role that secure elections play in America’s constitutional order: helping ensure the peaceful transfer of power and the opportunity of citizens to exercise their civic voice.
Sutherland Institute offers sound research and principled analysis on voting methods and election security. We do this to promote trusted and trustworthy voting systems and elevate the way the state of Utah assesses and refines this crucial process. We seek to protect public confidence in Utah’s elections by promoting positive reforms and increasing voters’ understanding of the security and access offered by Utah’s election procedures.
Research, Resources & Events
Conversations
Why many election officials don't want to be a Republican or a Democrat
Election officials should follow the law, not the party line
Can election officials ever really be nonpartisan?
Election officials should be neutral
A public office that doesn't need a party label
Your county clerk isn't your legislator
Rethinking how we elect county clerks
Should county clerks be nonpartisan? | Kevin Johnson & Brian McKenzie
How Florida gets election results faster than California
Why many election officials don't want to be a Republican or a Democrat
Election officials should follow the law, not the party line
Can election officials ever really be nonpartisan?
Insights & Takeaways
CommentaryThe Supreme Court’s campaign finance ruling shows why states need a voice
State or national laws addressing campaign finance are made by legislators but are inevitably challenged in court and resolved after a time by judges. Whatever one thinks about the specific resolutions, our nation needs a robust debate about whether that is the best approach. Perhaps elected officials, particularly at the state level, should have more say.
CommentaryWho American Voters Trust to Run Elections – A Sutherland Institute/Y2 Analytics Survey
If lawmakers strive to craft their reforms by advancing competent and accountable election administration, they may find the legislative success that they are looking for.
CommentaryOpinion: Utah voter roll audit proves that federalism in elections is working
There is no need for federal bureaucracy involvement if the evidence shows that state and local election officials are doing their jobs.
InsightsVolunteerism and Federalism: What local civic culture can teach us about elections
Americans trust locally run elections far more than national ones. Centralizing election administration in Washington could weaken trust and undermine federalism.
InsightsGen Z to Gen Z: We need more election officials
Polling shows Gen Z is losing faith in voting. Expanding education and career paths in election administration could rebuild trust and strengthen American elections.
CommentaryDOJ lawsuits undermine the Constitution, election integrity
Justice Department lawsuits seeking state voter data threaten federalism and could weaken election integrity by centralizing control over U.S. elections.
CommentaryThe Supreme Court’s campaign finance ruling shows why states need a voice
State or national laws addressing campaign finance are made by legislators but are inevitably challenged in court and resolved after a time by judges. Whatever one thinks about the specific resolutions, our nation needs a robust debate about whether that is the best approach. Perhaps elected officials, particularly at the state level, should have more say.
CommentaryWho American Voters Trust to Run Elections – A Sutherland Institute/Y2 Analytics Survey
If lawmakers strive to craft their reforms by advancing competent and accountable election administration, they may find the legislative success that they are looking for.
CommentaryOpinion: Utah voter roll audit proves that federalism in elections is working
There is no need for federal bureaucracy involvement if the evidence shows that state and local election officials are doing their jobs.