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Sean D. Reyes
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Election Process Statement from AG Reyes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2020

ELECTION PROCESS STATEMENT FROM UTAH ATTORNEY GENERAL SEAN D. REYES
“This is about providing confidence in the election process to ensure it is fair and constitutional.”

SALT LAKE CITY – Today, Utah joined a coalition of attorneys general from 17 states in an amicus brief in support of the Texas petition to the United States Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of the election process. The following is a statement from Utah Attorney General Sean D. Reyes:

“If Americans are to have confidence in the integrity of the election system, it is important the Supreme Court settles the question of who determines the time and place for voting: the legislature or the courts.
 
“This case is not about the propriety of Utah elections. I have great confidence in the bi-partisan work to assure fair and reliable elections in our state. That is why I joined the Utah Auditor, Treasurer and Governor-elect in certifying Utah election results. Rather, we join this amicus because of questions about process and constitutional integrity that need to be answered nationally.
 
“The fundamental constitutional question we need SCOTUS to answer is who really controls the time, place, and manner of elections in individual states? Is it the legislature, as it appears the Constitution commands? Or can that power be delegated or usurped in certain circumstances? The answer affects not only this election but potentially every future election.
 
“This case is not only about one candidate or election cycle, as important as they may be, but the fairness of all elections—current and future. It is about assuring the process is fair and uniform today and becomes so or remains so tomorrow.
 
“If the election was fair, the Supreme Court should say so. If not, it should say that. Either way, it should say something and not avoid the question. That is the only way to settle the constitutional question facing us today and for future generations and elections.
 
“Without the Supreme Court reviewing this matter and rendering its impartial judgment, there will always be questions regarding election integrity. The High Court should speak so we all, as Americans, have more clarity about who should set the terms of elections.
 
“Because all Americans need clarity and confidence in our national elections, I have joined the amicus brief supporting the petition of Texas and urge the Supreme Court to address this issue once and for all.”

The Supreme Court has ordered the defendant states to file a response to Texas’s request by 3 pm tomorrow.

12/10/2020–UPDATE: Attorney General Reyes authorized the state of Utah to join 5 other states in a motion to intervene in the election case.

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Utah Attorney General’s Office Prepares to Respond to Election Issues

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2, 2020

UTAH ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE PREPARES TO RESPOND TO
ELECTION ISSUES

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Attorney General’s Office is working with the Utah Lieutenant Governor’s Office, county election officials and law enforcement to encourage Utahns who choose to cast a ballot in-person while voting this November 3rd to do so safely, and to report any intimidation or apparent interference with voter’s access to the polls that they may encounter.
 
Incidents of intimidation or fraud have historically been very rare in Utah, especially since most people vote by mail. State and local officials have safeguards in place to ensure election security and reliability. Political tension is always a factor, however, and may warrant a more focused response in the event of violations outlined in the Utah ‘Voting Offenses’ statute**(see below).
 
Illegal behavior such as voter intimidation or fraud will not be tolerated.
 
Anyone who feels unsafe or witnesses immediate threatening and illegal behavior should call 911 for the fastest response.
 
For non-emergency concerns regarding voting and election issues, the public is encouraged to:

  • Speak to elections officials at polling locations who can respond to concerns right away.
  • Call 911 to report emergencies or physically dangerous situations.
  • Non-emergency concerns not related to safety should be referred to the Utah State Elections Office at 801-538-1041. Concerns can also be reported to the Attorney General’s Office at 801-381-6168.


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** Utah Code at UCA 20A-3a-part 5 (sections 501-506). And UCA 20A-4-part 5 prohibits forgery and interference with election returns, and 20A-1-part 6 deals with bribery, fraud, ballot tampering, and other “Election Offenses”.