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Utah House passes opt‑in voter ID drop‑box system, sets 2029 start date
Summary
After extended debate, the Utah House on March 2 approved a third‑substitute bill allowing voters who opt in to return mail ballots at drop boxes by presenting ID; supporters said it preserves vote‑by‑mail and responds to audit concerns, while opponents called it potentially suppressive and warned of local costs.
The Utah House of Representatives voted to approve a third substitute of HB 479 on March 2, adopting an opt‑in system that allows voters who choose the option to return a mailed ballot at a drop box after showing identification. The measure passed on final passage, 42–30.
Sponsor Rep. Zac Burton said the bill preserves the option to vote by mail while providing an additional option for voters who want to present ID at the time they return a ballot. “This bill simply gives voters a chance to to go and show their ID if they opt in to do so,” Burton said on the House floor.
Supporters said the measure builds public confidence and addresses problems identified…
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