Utah Becomes First State to Roll Back Universal Vote-by-Mail System

Governor Spencer Cox signed a law transitioning to an opt-in mail voting model by 2029, citing election trust concerns despite widespread confidence in the current system.

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.

The Salt Lake Tribune