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
Rejecting election results
Elections and the will of the people #utpol
Applying a constitutional lens to election challenges in Utah
How each state runs their primary election process
What is "the party"?
Election transparency in Utah #utpol #elections
Dwindling trust in our elections #utpol #elections
Primary election reforms that can build public trust
What you need to know about election integrity
Rejecting election results
Elections and the will of the people #utpol
Applying a constitutional lens to election challenges in Utah
Insights & Takeaways
CommentaryUtah’s primary election results raise questions about caucus-convention system
The purpose of a primary election is for a political party to decide who will represent it as a candidate for office in the November general election. But this immediately raises a question: What — and who — is the party?
TakeawaysCivics Refresher: The roles of the Utah State Legislature and Congress
While casting your vote, it’s important to keep geography and term lengths in mind when considering what could reasonably be accomplished by elected officials.
InsightsPromises to defend the Constitution come with strings
How can a voter know if an elected official is actually keeping their promise? Here are some points from the oath of office.
TakeawaysQ&A: Mail-in voting and Utah’s election process
How is Utah ensuring transparency and security in its elections? Sutherland’s Derek Monson has the answers.
CommentaryThis primary election season, recognize that secure elections require public trust
Promoting public trust in secure elections is both a civic duty and a matter of enlightened self-interest in maintaining the power of the people manifested through voting.
TakeawaysBuilding trust in the election process
How are policymakers working to ensure elections remain trusted – and trustworthy – in 2024 and beyond?
TakeawaysBiden bows out: What it means for the presidential election
The president’s decision to drop out of the race for a second term will impact more than just the 2024 election.
InsightsThe rise of ‘faction’: The presidential election of 1800 set the standard for acrimony
The political propaganda and hot-button issues of today’s presidential elections were foreshadowed two centuries ago.
CommentaryConstitutional principles should guide – or stop – election challenges
When a candidate contests an announced final election outcome, how do we discern whether that act supports or undermines the spirit of our Constitution?