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
Fact or ploy? Why campaigns claim every election is the most important
The most important election?
Helping voters feel more confident #utpol #election2024
Checks and balances of election processes #utpol #election2024
Utah's vote-by-mail process
How votes are accurately and fairly counted #utpol #election2024
Questions about election processes? Just ask the experts #utpol #election2024
The history of vote by mail in Utah #utpol #election2024
Could artificial intelligence actually improve elections?
Fact or ploy? Why campaigns claim every election is the most important
The most important election?
Helping voters feel more confident #utpol #election2024
Insights & Takeaways
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.
InsightsThe most ‘consequential’ election
While politicos every four years refer to the next presidential election as “the most consequential in American history,” none compares to 1860.
CommentaryHow to vote your economic values
The economy may define the election. Which candidate has the better plan?
CommentaryAmendment D decision should heighten focus on the most important constitutional considerations
Judicial restraint, in keeping with the constitutional separation of powers, has helped make Utah an example of good governance to the nation. Utah judges, policymakers and voters ought to carefully consider the ramifications of moving away from that bedrock legal principle.
CommentaryThe real issues at stake in the debate over Amendment D
It is confusing — and it’s another example of lawmaking moving from a duly elected legislative body to the courts.
InsightsMissing the significance of the voter initiative amendment
So far, the debate over the amendment is missing one of the most important constitutional principles at stake: the separation of powers.
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.