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
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.
CommentaryFive bygone elections that echo into 2024
Another quadrennial brings another round of the same hyperbole. Who’s to say none of them apply to 2024? But an honest look at past elections suggests that there is nothing new under the sun.
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.
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.