Lt. Governor Henderson outlines safeguards in place for security in upcoming election

by David Boyle
News Director
In Utah elections are overseen by the state’s Lt. Governor. Utah’s Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson recently appeared on the Redrock 92 Morning Show to discuss upcoming elections in the state.
As part of the discussion Lt. Governor Henderson talked about election security since it’s been top of mind for many Utahns. “There are a lot of different ways that we safeguard Utahns votes,” she said.
“We want to make sure Utahns are secure in feeling when they cast their ballots that it’s going to be voted and it’s going to be voted accurately. So we take that very seriously.”
Lt. Governor Henderson shared multiple ways to vote by mail and how polling elections are safeguarded in the state. Part of election integrity includes testing of ballot counting machines. The tests are publicly noticed in local newspapers to allow the public to come and view those tests.
Similarly, all procedures can be viewed by the public. Part of election integrity includes systems for processing ballots. San Juan County Chief Deputy Clerk James Francom explains ballots are processed fifty at a time in batches.
The process includes scanning a barcode on the ballot to ensure voters can verify their ballot has been counted. A second worker then removes the envelope that contains the voter’s signature to verify a match to voter registration before a third employee processes the ballots in the machine
Francom explained that flagged signatures are reviewed against voter registrations and license signatures to confirm if a ballot signature matches.
Lt. Governor Henderson explained that if the clerk’s office determines a signature doesn’t match voters will be notified in order to try and cure their ballot.
“Sometimes a spouse will accidentally put their ballot in the wrong envelope and sign it so it’s the wrong name. Or once in a while missionary parents might sign their kids’ ballots and mail them in.
“Those types of things always get caught. So the voter will get notified that their signature didn’t match and give them an opportunity to cure it.”
In 2020 San Juan County reported 36 mismatched signature ballots that were not counted, making up .005 of ballots cast in the election.
Lt. Governor Henderson explains the separation between signatures and processing of ballots allows voters to maintain a secret ballot.
“In our state constitution we have a right to a secret ballot. We don’t want to know what anybody’s votes are; we don’t want to know how so-and-so voted [and] in fact it’s unconstitutional for us to know.”
Henderson reported another safety measure requires at least two sworn-in officials must be present to transfer ballots from drop boxes or in-person polling locations to the place where ballots are actually processed.
On election day the previously tested ballot counter will total votes. The machine is not connected to the internet, and can be printed off from the machine.
A more digital-friendly version of results will be made available on an internal thumb drive in the machine that will be removed and taken to another computer to also view the results and upload them to the state reporting website.
Following the election the clerk’s office will also perform audits as directed by the state. Francom explained the county will be given a random assignment of usually two batches of fifty votes to be audited.
The audit process includes different individuals examining signatures as well as ballots themselves for any regularities.
Francom did note that a new requirement this year requires one member of the county commission to participate in that process.
Lt. Governor Henderson also says that while there are safeguards in place to protect elections the state also relies on self-responsibility for voting.
“Even though we have safeguards in place on the back end to catch those things when they happen, if they happen we want to make sure everyone is responsible for themselves.
“That includes going to the website vote.utah.gov and making sure you know when your ballot is being sent to you and when your ballot has been processed and counted.
“You can also sign up for ballottrax.utah.gov and actually get text messages sent to your phone that tell you when your ballot’s been received by the county clerk and when it’s been processed.”
Lt. Governor Henderson also recommends those with questions regarding elections reach out to their county clerk’s office.
“Most importantly, get out and vote as soon as you know who you want to vote for. Don’t wait till the last minute to make sure your voice is heard.”
Eligible voters can register at vote.utah.gov. Those registered by October 28 will receive a ballot in the mail.
If you’re already registered to vote, the final day to request a mail-in ballot is November 1. Ballots must be postmarked by November 7.
Mail-in ballots can also be dropped off at polling locations or ballot drop boxes through November 8.