by Kylee Boyter
kboyter@cherryroad.com

In the wake of the 2020 election, many individuals question the security and transparency of Utah’s election process. Speaking with the Sevier County clerk/auditor’s office, it was confirmed how each county works diligently to maintain Utah’s transparent and secure elections.

“Each ballot we receive is carefully accounted for and processed,” said Barbara Crowther, deputy clerk/auditor for Sevier County. “We batch sets of ballots in groups of 50 where we first validate the signatures.”

Crowther explained that a direct chain of custody is maintained throughout the process and ballots are never handled by any one individual.

“Once the signature on the ballot is confirmed to match the individual whose name is on the ballot envelope, the tab is removed.”

Once this is done, the voter remains anonymous, as the Utah Constitution guarantees ballot secrecy as a right to all citizens.

Crowther was asked about the safety of mailing in a ballot, which she stated, “is very secure with voters ability to track their ballot throughout the entire process.”

By going to www.vote.utah.gov, voters can check the status of their ballot at any time.

“This feature only applies to mail-in-ballots and not for voting in person,” shared Crowther.

The ballot counting process is also held in a public area, and anyone is welcome to attend to see how the process takes place.

“It is open to the public,” said Crowther. “Ballots are also counted by at least two trained election workers.”

All employees at the Sevier County clerk/auditor’s office have earned their Olene S. Walker VOTE certificate from Weber State University. The course focuses on all aspects of the election process, including workflow management, election history, and professional development.

“The state also puts out training yearly to help us stay up to date on rules and regulations,” said Crowther.

During the time leading up to an election, the clerk/auditor’s office may be busy however they are still dedicated to answering any of your questions, and concerns, and making sure you as a voter feel confident in your ballot security.

“We are happy to answer any questions,” said Crowther. “One question we’ve received in the past is ‘what happens if I don’t vote on a specific race within my ballot, will my entire ballot be voided?’ and the answer is no.”

Crowther shared that each race on your ballot is optional if you’d like to vote for that specific race or not. All political races filled in will be counted.

If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to visit the vote.utah.gov website or visit your clerk/auditor’s office.

For Sevier County, visit 250 N. Main Street, Suite #100, Richfield, call (435)893-0401, or email elections@sevier.utah.gov.

For Wayne County, visit 18 South Main Street, Loa, call (435)836-1300, or email felicia@wayne.utah.gov.

For Piute County, visit 550 N Main Street, Junction, or call 435-577-2840.