Overview

• The new law ends Utah's universal vote-by-mail system, requiring voters to opt in to receive mail-in ballots starting in 2029.
• Mail-in ballots must now be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day, replacing the previous rule allowing postmarked ballots to arrive up to two weeks later.
• A new verification system will use the last four digits of a state ID or Social Security number instead of signature matching.
• Critics argue the changes will disproportionately affect marginalized groups, including Native Americans, people with disabilities, and rural voters.
• Utah's decision aligns with broader Republican-led efforts to tighten voting laws, despite 96.7% of Utahns using mail-in voting in the last primary elections.