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Committee holds bill to make Election Day a state holiday after debate over cost and turnout
Summary
Representative Wilcox's proposal to make Election Day a state holiday (HB 351) was held by the committee after members questioned economic impact, turnout goals and statutory leave protections for employees; a roll-call style vote recorded mixed support and the motion to hold passed.
A proposal to recognize Election Day as a state holiday sparked extended debate over the fiscal impact and whether the change would increase voter turnout. Representative Wilcox sponsored HB 351, saying the aim is to make voting more accessible by removing work‑time barriers for in‑person voters.
Committee members asked whether the holiday would require paid leave for private employees and how it would affect schools, banks and other businesses. Representative Schallenberger asked whether Utah…
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