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
The incorrect use of "unity" in today's political climate #utpol
Why daily life issues are more important than the hot topic of the day #utpol
Why elected officials and the media should return to kitchen table issues #utpol
Improving the ballot initiative process
Election reforms should make elections tougher for the politicians
The two baskets of election policy reform
Fact or ploy? Why campaigns claim every election is the most important
The most important election?
Helping voters feel more confident #utpol #election2024
The incorrect use of "unity" in today's political climate #utpol
Why daily life issues are more important than the hot topic of the day #utpol
Why elected officials and the media should return to kitchen table issues #utpol
Insights & Takeaways
InsightsReligion can help take the venom out of political disagreement
Researchers found that people of faith, although civically involved, did not believe that religion was an appropriate setting for political discussions.
CommentaryHow to stop worrying about presidential elections and learn to love federalism
Voters, pundits, and elected officials themselves should embrace a healthier and more constitutionally grounded alternative to the current rhetoric.
TakeawaysCivics Refresher: How to vote in Utah
Utah has three ways for you to cast your vote this Election Day. We explain the process for each one.
TakeawaysUtah’s U.S. Senate delegation at the Congressional Series
Sens. Romney and Lee participated in the 2024 Congressional Series. Here’s what they said.
InsightsThe Comeback Kid: Trump is attempting a maneuver only one president has pulled off
Cleveland ran on a “drain the swamp” platform – and later used allegations of a stolen election – at a time of deep distrust in government, political polarization and wide economic gaps.
CommentaryThose who treat politics as religion undermine the Constitution they claim to love
When people make politics their faith, growing distrust in institutions is inevitable — as those with different political views now become the enemies of truth.
CommentaryElection law amendments bill requires changes to reflect constitutional principle and evidence
The spread of vote by mail in Utah has expanded the base of regular Utah voters, which has strengthened the constitutional role of elections as laid out by the framers of the U.S. Constitution.
Press ReleaseSutherland releases survey data on 2025 election reforms
Sutherland Institute released new survey data highlighting Utah voters' perspectives on possible election reforms.
CommentaryEnsuring the peaceful resolution of future elections
The ultimate source of all political power in America — the people — are the ones who hold the responsibility for strengthening the political habits and practices essential to the vitality of our republic.