Senate approves election-reporting bill; amendment lets study consider online voting

The Utah Senate on third reading passed Second Substitute Senate Bill 92 on a roll call after adopting an amendment that broadens the scope of a study of election technology to include — but not require — online or mobile voting.

Senator Ann Harper, sponsor of the measure, told the Senate the bill improves reporting requirements for elections, clarifies handling of anonymous donations and refines study duties for the Lieutenant Governor’s office. Senator Buxton offered Amendment 1 to delete explicit language referencing web-based or mobile voting devices so the study would not be limited to particular platforms. "This amendment scratches web based or mobile device," Buxton said, arguing the change "will open up to other opportunities" for the study committee.

Senator Andrew asked whether the bill’s intent is to create a pathway for online voting. Harper replied that the amendment and bill "allows the Lieutenant Governor and us to take a look at all options" and that any actual deployment of online or mobile voting would require further legislative action. "That is the intent of this is not just to go through and look at options for voting, but how we can improve the security of our voting," Harper said.

Senator Bramble, speaking in support of the amendment, said Utah County has piloted online voting for military personnel and disabled voters and that a deeper, security-focused study would be useful. He told colleagues the bill does not obligate adoption of any specific voting method but provides "a forum for the elections office to actually do a deep dive and determine whether the technology and the security exists to move to online voting."

The Senate adopted Amendment 1 and then passed Second Substitute Senate Bill 92 as amended. The official roll call recorded 28 yea votes, 0 nay votes, and 1 absence; the bill will be returned to the House for further consideration.

The bill’s supporters and amendment proponents emphasized the difference between studying options and authorizing instant implementation: the legislation commissions a study and reporting pathway but does not itself change voting methods. Opponents raised concerns about security and the need for safeguards; the sponsor repeatedly said security and further legislative approvals would be required before any online voting system could be adopted.

Senate action Second Substitute Senate Bill 92 passed on third reading as amended. Motion to pass: Senator Harper. Vote: 28–0–1 (yay–nay–absent). The bill will be transmitted back to the House.