Top Points:
USPS Misrouting Disqualifies Ballots: Over 700 ballots from Utah's June 25 primary elections were disqualified due to late postmarks caused by a USPS processing change that routed mail to Las Vegas, leading to delays despite voters mailing their ballots on time.
Voter Disenfranchisement: Longtime voters like Camille Topham were blindsided, with many claiming they mailed their ballots well before the deadline. Iron County commissioners faced a dilemma on certifying the election results, ultimately deciding to certify amid voter frustration.
Calls for Election Reform: The mishap has reignited debate over the reliability of mail-in voting, with critics calling for a return to in-person voting on paper ballots. The incident's impact on a close congressional primary race underscores the urgent need for election system reforms.
Full Report:
Camille Topham, a dedicated voter in Iron County, Utah, was shocked to find her vote uncounted in the June 25 primary elections due to an unexpected postal issue. Despite depositing their ballots on June 23, Topham and many others received notices that their votes were disqualified for missing the postmark deadline.
The Issue Unveiled
Iron County Commissioner Paul Cozzens revealed the problem in a Facebook post, stating over 400 ballots were disqualified because the USPS postmarked them late. County Clerk Jon Whittaker confirmed this and added that Washington County faced a similar issue with over 300 ballots. The complication arose from mail processing changes; ballots from nine Utah counties were routed to Las Vegas for processing, causing delays and late postmarks despite timely mailing.
Voters' Frustration and Response
Voters like Topham, who have consistently participated in elections, were blindsided by this mishap. “I have been voting in Iron County for 33 years, since I was 18. I have never had anything like this happen,” Topham expressed at a county commissioners meeting. Many voters insist they mailed their ballots well before the deadline, with some sent as early as June 22.
Larger Implications and Accountability
The USPS mail processing shift to Las Vegas has raised concerns about its impact on voter disenfranchisement. Utah GOP Vice-Chair Kim Coleman stressed the lack of communication about this significant change. Despite the assurance from USPS, Utah law requires ballots to be postmarked by a specific date to be counted, and many voters feel their voices were unjustly silenced.
County's Decision Amidst Controversy
Iron County commissioners faced a dilemma: certify the election results or stand against the disenfranchisement. In a 2-1 decision, they voted to certify, with Commissioner Paul Cozzens dissenting, arguing that not certifying would disrespect voters' rights. Commissioner Mike Bleak and Sheriff Kenneth Carpenter expressed frustration but adhered to the legal deadlines, emphasizing the rule of law.
Impact on Congressional Race
The postal mishap's repercussions extend to a closely contested congressional primary. Rep. Celeste Maloy leads challenger Colby Jenkins by a narrow margin, and Jenkins’ campaign plans to request a recount to include the disqualified ballots. This issue highlights the flaws in Utah's mail-in voting system, with Jenkins' campaign manager, Greg Powers, calling for a shift to in-person voting.
Calls for Change
The incident has sparked debate on the reliability of mail-in voting. Powers criticized the USPS's inefficiency and advocated for in-person voting on paper ballots, with absentee ballots available only upon request. The lack of response from Utah’s legislative leaders on whether they plan to address these issues in future sessions leaves voters uncertain about the integrity of their electoral system.
Original Story by Shawn Fleetwood, The Federalist
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