Controversial Mail Ballot ID Bill Advances in Legislature

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A new proposal that could upend Utah’s current mail-in voting system passed its first legislative test on Tuesday, Feb. 4. The bill, H.B. 300 – “Amendments to Election Law” – would keep ballots coming to voters by mail but require them to be returned in person at a designated polling center where voters must present photo ID.

Under the proposed plan, every county’s polling center would need to be equipped with ballot boxes and staffed to verify voters’ identities. Voters who prefer the convenience of mailing in their ballots wouldn’t be entirely out of luck, though. They could opt to use the USPS—but only after showing ID to their county clerk. The bill also provides exceptions for overseas voters and those with other qualifying “legal reasons” to mail their ballots.

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The cost of the changes is a major concern. According to the fiscal note, local counties could face over $6 million in recurring expenses, plus additional one-time costs for equipment, staffing, and travel.

Opponents of the bill have raised a few red flags. One lawmaker warned that without proper funding, property taxes might be on the rise. Others questioned whether the new system would disadvantage homebound or disabled voters. However, the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Jefferson Burton (R – Utah County) and chair of the House Government Operations Committee, countered that current provisions already allow for electronic voting for the handicapped. “This bill is not going to negatively impact those who don’t have the physical ability to get into a polling location,” Burton said.

Supporters argue that the change addresses real issues with the current process. Rep. Michael Peterson (R – Cache County), the committee vice chair, noted, “People want voter ID, they want to mail it in, and they want results in a day. I think this bill answers those three things.” Meanwhile, Rep. Candice Peiurucci (R – Salt Lake County) pointed out that about 65% of Utah voters already drop off their ballots at a dropbox, adding, “I have to get out my ID and Costco card to buy a hot dog and soda — I don’t think it’s unrealistic to ask our voters to provide a photo ID.” Peiurucci also highlighted that Utah is the only red state among the eight that vote entirely by mail.

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Not everyone is on board, though. Rep. Andrew Stoddard (D – Salt Lake City) urged a pause, arguing that because Burton committed to a revamped version with “wholesale” changes, the committee should not merely rubber-stamp the bill. Burton, however, reassured colleagues that the legislation will be “in very good shape” once it reaches the full House vote.

The bill narrowly won committee approval, passing 9 to 4, and now heads to the House floor. But its future is far from certain. Senate leaders have already signaled disapproval of the in-person ballot return requirement, setting the stage for a potential showdown as the measure moves forward.

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