Note to readers • Click here to find an interactive map where you can enter your address to see all the races on your ballot that have a voter guide from The Salt Lake Tribune.

House District 72 Rep. Joseph Elison wants to represent southwest Utah at the statehouse for a second term.

The Republican incumbent is being challenged by Constitution Party candidate April Pinkston and Democrat Eva Weldon.

This November, residents of eastern Washington County, including the gateway communities near Zion National Park, will have a chance to decide who will represent them in the Utah Legislature for the next two years.

Election Day is Nov. 3. Voters must drop their mail ballot in a drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day, or mail the ballot in time so it is in the clerk’s possession by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

The Salt Lake Tribune posed the following questions to each of the candidates. Candidates submitted photos and answers through a questionnaire. Answers may have been edited for style and clarity. Candidate responses are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

Utah voters told us government corruption is their top concern in this year’s election. Why do you think voters feel this way? And why should Utahns trust you to represent them?

Elison: Did not answer.

Pinkston: Voters are waking up to the corruption in many areas but specifically in the area of election integrity. Regardless of one’s political affiliation, everyone should want to know that elections are transparent and that their vote counts. Voters can count on me to listen to their views and vote according to the Utah Constitution and the U.S. Constitution. If a bill protects your God-given rights, I will vote for it. If a bill takes away your agency and is unconstitutional, I will vote against it.

Weldon: I think voters lose trust when the government feels more responsive to powerful interests than to the people it represents, or when decisions lack transparency. Utahns should expect honesty, accountability and clear disclosure of conflicts of interest. I will listen, be transparent about my decisions, follow the same rules I expect of others and put the people of District 72 ahead of party or personal interests.

Utahns told us affordability is their second-highest priority in this election. How would you help Utahns afford housing, groceries, gas and other day-to-day expenses?

Elison: Did not answer.

Pinkston: Government’s job is to reduce inflation, lower permit costs and impact fees. Government should be out of your way as much as possible. I will TRY my best to find ways to lower property taxes, income tax and sales taxes.

Weldon: Utah families should be able to afford to live in the communities where they work. I would support increasing the supply of attainable housing, investing in infrastructure that makes starter homes possible and expanding responsible first-time homebuyer programs. I would also look for practical ways to reduce unnecessary costs and support fair wages so household incomes can better keep pace with everyday expenses.

Water resources were also a top concern for voters. What policies would you support as Utah looks to balance growth with preservation of the Great Salt Lake and the Colorado River?

Elison: Did not answer.

Pinkston: Water has become a political football used to control people. Unfortunately, none of us are on the playing field. I would try to get a law passed that gives people control of their water rights on their own property.

Weldon: Utah’s growth must be matched by responsible water planning. I support conservation, water-efficient development, agricultural efficiency and accurate measurement of water use. We must protect the Colorado River and restore the Great Salt Lake while planning growth around the water we can sustainably provide. These resources support our communities, economy, wildlife and future, and we cannot treat them as unlimited.

What is another topic you care about and want to address if elected to public office?

Elison: Did not answer.

Pinkston: My first concern is that our current legislation doesn’t think you’re smart enough to manage your life without their interference. Parents are responsible for their children, and decisions are being taken away from them, specifically with the School Attendance Modifications bill. A parent has the absolute right to decide whether to homeschool or not; cell phones in the classroom is another matter. That decision belongs to the parent and teacher, not the government.

Weldon: Utah’s growth must be matched by responsible water planning. I would support conservation, water-efficient development, agricultural efficiency, accurate measurement and policies that keep more water in our rivers and the Great Salt Lake. In Southern Utah, protecting the Colorado River is essential to our communities and economy. Growth should be planned around the water we can sustainably provide — not the other way around.

How will you vote on Constitutional Amendment A? If passed, the amendment will stop the practice of publishing the full text of amendments and ballot questions by lawmakers in a newspaper for 60 days ahead of an election and instead require that text to be published on two state websites.

Elison: Did not answer.

Pinkston: Against.

Weldon: Against.

How will you vote on Constitutional Amendment B? If passed, citizen-proposed laws that increase taxes would need to be approved by 60% of voters, instead of a simple majority.

Elison: Did not answer.

Pinkston: For.

Weldon: For.

What’s your favorite book and why?

Elison: Did not answer.

Pinkston: The Bible is my favorite book because it gives guidance and ethics for everyday living. If we all followed biblical basics, life would be better. Specifically the 10 commandments. Everyone has the right to believe what they want, of course.

Weldon: As a mom, my reading has often centered on children’s literature. It’s hard to choose a favorite, but I love “Wildwood,” “The Key to Rondo,” and “Percy Jackson” for their imaginative worlds and stories of courage, growth and doing what’s right.