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.

Republican Kay Christofferson is seeking to fend off two challengers in the race to represent a northern portion of Utah County.

Christofferson has represented House District 53 — which encompasses most of Lehi — since 2023, and was first elected to represent the area in 2012, when it fell under House District 56. Democrat Kevin Slater currently works as an environmental technician, while Utah Forward candidate John Boyd is a tech entrepreneur and former Marine.

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. Christofferson did not respond to the questionnaire.

Election Day is Nov. 3. Mail ballots must be dropped off at a ballot dropbox by 8 p.m. on Election Day or, if returned by mail, must be received by the county clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

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?

Boyd: Examples of corruption at the state and federal levels are more numerous than ever. Elected leaders working for themselves and pushing their own agendas without listening to the electorate are too common. This is one of the main reasons why I’m running for office. After knocking on all 10,000 doors in my district, the feedback I’ve heard most is that people don’t feel like their voices are being heard. I want to change that.

Christofferson: Did not answer.

Slater: I have worked as an environmental scientist and seen the lack of oversight for our buildings, our streets and our homes. We need a stronger response to those who cheat our citizens, sell substandard products and overcharge for basic goods. Laws already exist to prevent the corruption we see in our daily lives, from the politicians who promise to represent us to the businesses that overcharge us. I can be the one to fund those programs which are tasked with protecting us.

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?

Boyd: Unfortunately, tariffs and the war in Iran have combined to give us $5/gallon fuel, high inflation, and higher interest rates. Combine that with the increase in housing prices and we have a situation where it’s harder than ever for many to meet basic needs. Increasing housing supply helps bring prices down, but it needs to be done with proper planning to ensure we have enough infrastructure/water/traffic planning.

Christofferson: Did not answer.

Slater: The first is changing zoning laws to allow for more mixed-use housing to alleviate our housing costs. The second is to add more public transportation, especially in those places growing fastest to make car ownership less necessary for ordinary tasks. The third is to challenge corporations who collude to raise prices for ordinary goods.

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?

Boyd: The Great Salt Lake and Colorado River water issues are at a critical point in Utah right now. We need to work with farmers and individuals to conserve water and refill the lake. We need to continue to work together to innovate and find creative solutions. The environment has taken a beating in the past few years, it’s important to maintain vigilance and pass/improve laws that will keep our water and air clean, and reduce the negative effects of climate change.

Christofferson: Did not answer.

Slater: Many tools exist, from better farming practices that grow crops with less water, to rainwater harvesting. Even changing the plants which grow along our rivers, canals and creeks to native arid resistant varieties can have a profound affect on water resources that reach our lakes. Additionally, we can address pollution that poisons the groundwater just beneath our feet to recapture some of our lost hydrological resources.

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

Boyd: I’m for Prop 4 (fair maps) and want to protect that and other future voter initiatives. I also care about protecting vote by mail. It has been working well for over 10 years, and enables single parents, rural communities, shift workers and the elderly to more conveniently vote.

Christofferson: Did not answer.

Slater: I am deeply concerned about how our housing market builds houses that are flawed and ignore safety regulations to make higher profits. As a geologist I have seen with my own eyes new houses that are cracked, falling apart and sliding down mountains because the contractors cut corners. Laws already exist to prevent this, we need someone with the will to apply them.

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.

Boyd: Against.

Christofferson: Did not answer.

Slater: 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.

Boyd: Against.

Christofferson: Did not answer.

Slater: Against.

What’s your favorite book and why?

Boyd: “1776″ by David McCullough. It’s the very inspirational and miraculous story of the struggle and victory of our country’s origin.

Christofferson: Did not answer.

Slater: “The Analects” present a philosophical way of life for all people of any background and religion. Though imperfect, it teaches us how to be virtuous, how to care for others and how to build a moral society that cares for its people.