This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Elections • Utah soon could start posting voter-information booklets online instead of mailing them as part of several changes in elections law that the Senate debated Wednesday.
A 26-0 vote gave preliminary passage to SB19, which would end the requirement for the state to send out information booklets about candidates and issues before elections. Instead, voters would receive postcards giving them a link to a state website with the content of the booklets — and a phone number to call if they still wanted a printed version.
Sponsoring Sen. Peter Knudson, R-Brigham City, said the state estimates the move would save at least $60,000 initially. "A lot of people throw them in the trash can about as fast as they receive them," he said, and the new system would allow those who really want information to access it.
State officials also say posting information online may allow for longer discussion of candidates and issues, which have been kept relatively short for print versions. It also would allow for later deadlines for candidates and groups to submit information.
The Senate also voted 28-0 to give final approval to SB10, which would keep private the email addresses that people provide when registering to vote online.
Sen. Margaret Dayton, R-Orem, said her bill could help prevent unwanted spamming. Several senators said they would also like to keep birth dates private, but would pursue separate legislation for that.
SB10 now goes to the House. The Senate also unanimously passed — and sent to the House — Knudson's SB17 to clarify when parties may replace nominees on ballots.
Currently, parties may replace candidates "because of acquiring a physical or mental disability as certified by a physician." The bill adds that the disability must be severe enough that it "prevents the candidate from continuing the candidacy."