The person in charge of voting in Utah has resigned.
Justin Lee, director of elections, is leaving for “another opportunity,” Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson said in a statement Friday.
Lee began working in the lieutenant governor’s office in 2010, under then-Lt. Gov. Greg Bell. In 2012, he was named deputy director of elections, and continued in the position under then-Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox. In 2017, he was promoted to director of elections.
Lee has assisted in Utah’s transition to voting by mail, helped implement updated voting equipment and worked with counties to provide additional cyber and physical security.
“Justin’s faithful execution of election law has been a role model for elections officers across the state and nation,” Henderson said, adding that he has “engendered the trust of the voters. I’m sorry to see him go, but I’m so grateful for his service to the people of Utah.”
Lee said it has “truly been my honor” to serve as director of elections. “Utah is recognized as being at the forefront of elections administration and I’m grateful to have played a small part in that effort.”
A search is underway for Lee’s replacement, Henderson said.