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House rejects plan to stop automatic mailing of printed voter pamphlets
Summary
After extended debate on access and accuracy, the House voted down Senate Bill 19, which would have replaced automatic mailing of printed voter information pamphlets with a postcard-and-online approach; the measure failed 29–42.
The Utah House declined to adopt a proposal to discontinue automatic mailing of printed voter information pamphlets to all households, voting down Senate Bill 19 after an extended floor debate about access, accuracy and cost.
Sponsor Representative Powell described the measure as a modernization that would allow county clerks and the lieutenant governor’s office to send a postcard notifying voters that a printed pamphlet is available on request and that materials are posted online. He said the change was aimed at cost savings and more up-to-date information: the bill “allows the lieutenant governor's office to distribute instead a postcard that informs voters of the opportunity to receive a printed copy of the voter information pamphlet... and inform them of the ability to receive that pamphlet at local government offices.”
Supporters argued the online version can be kept current and that hard copies would remain available on request; Representative Chavez Houck cited constituent frustrations with delays in the past and said staff frequently helped voters access online materials. Opponents raised concerns about elderly and other voters without reliable Internet access, potential effects on turnout and the need for stronger statutory guarantees of accuracy. Representative Wilson said she was “uncomfortable with this bill” because many voters lack Internet access and a modest cost savings should not compromise information access.
Members also questioned whether the bill adequately preserves accuracy guarantees; Powell said the statutory responsibility for accurate materials was unchanged but that online information can be updated more quickly than printed copies.
After debate, the House voted; the bill failed 29 yes to 42 no and will be returned to the Senate for filing. The House record shows the discussion centered on balancing modest budgetary savings and convenience against equity, accuracy and access for voters who rely on mailed materials.
