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Senate approves temporary vote-by-mail regime for 2020 primary and optional mobile voting to protect public health
Summary
The Senate passed first substitute HB 3,006 to conduct the 2020 regular primary largely by mail, allow county-certified mobile (drive-up) voting sites, extend canvass deadlines for safety, and require protocols for voters and county workers. Sponsors said CARES Act funds should cover postage and PPE.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Utah Senate on April 16 approved a temporary election overhaul for the 2020 regular primary that makes vote-by-mail the default and allows certified mobile (drive-up) voting sites in counties that choose that option.
Senator Harper, sponsor of the first substitute, said the bill is temporary and focused on health and safety. The substitute preempts conflicts in code for the primary, directs the lieutenant governor to issue protective protocols, and requires county clerks to run outreach and education campaigns about changes. The bill removes in-person polling on election day unless a county certifies a mobile voting option; it also extends the canvass deadline by roughly one week to allow ballots that may need quarantine before handling.
Stakeholders including the disability community, county clerks and the lieutenant governor's office participated in drafting the substitute, the sponsor said, and the measure includes accommodations for voters with disabilities. Senators raised questions about mail handling, postage and equity across counties. Senator Wyler praised counties that provide postage-paid return envelopes and urged broader adoption; the sponsor said CARES Act funds allocated to election support could cover postage, PPE and related needs.
The Senate passed the first substitute on a recorded roll call; the bill will go to the House for concurrence.
