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
CommentaryUtah can lead the nation on election official ethics
Voters should be assured that anyone who is capable and feels a civic duty to safeguard our republic can run to oversee elections, not just those who can raise money or have insider connections.
ReportUtah Election Reforms That Win Public Trust
Utah voters are less confident in elections and less willing to re-elect their legislators when the law burdens their right to cast their ballot by mail, and more confident and willing to re-elect their legislators when voters must prove they are voting legally.
ReportFreeing the States on Campaign Finance
The proposed For Our Freedom Amendment is currently the most important innovation in campaign finance regulation.
CommentaryVoter ID is important, so let’s get it right
Making voter ID and mail-in voting requirements reasonable for voters advances election integrity by maintaining voter confidence and ensuring Utah voters are legally eligible to vote.
CommentaryUtah voters want more out of redistricting, and policymakers should give it to them
As Utah revisits redistricting laws, voters overwhelmingly prefer elected leaders and a commission, not judges, shaping congressional maps. Polling reveals a clear path for reforms that reflect the people’s will.
Impact AnalysisSurvey: Utah voters think elected officials, not judges, should choose congressional maps
A new survey reveals Utah voters want elected officials, not judges, leading redistricting, with a commission providing support.
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.