Utah AG Taking Leave Of Absence To ‘Prepare And Support’ Election Litigation Outside State

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Newly re-elected Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes is in Nevada to help President Donald Trump’s campaign with litigation in battleground states.

Reyes sent out a tweet Friday morning that said, “On personal leave time to help prepare and support litigation in several states dealing with compromised election process.”

On personal leave time to help prepare and support litigation in several states dealing with compromised election process.

— Sean Reyes (@SeanReyesUT) November 6, 2020

That tweet set off a firestorm of criticism, starting with Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill.

“I thought that was just absolutely irresponsible,” Gill told KSL.

Chase Thomas, executive director of non-profit Alliance For a Better Utah, which aims to hold politicians accountable, was quick to lambast the move, calling the allegations of a compromised election “unacceptable.”

“State attorney generals, which is a serious position, calling into question, a democratic corruption, it’s irresponsible rhetoric and we should not be, I mean our attorney general, should not be using that type of rhetoric here in our state,” Thomas said.

Reyes posted four tweets Friday afternoon, in an effort to clarify his actions, stating he is not taking a leave of absence from the AG’s office.

And, continued, “if even some actions in battleground states resulted in improper votes being counted or proper votes being rejected, that compromises the overall fairness of the electoral process and can disenfranchise the votes of millions of Americans.”

I certainly do not believe all votes in the 2020 election are fraudulent — many dedicated volunteers and officials across the nation, including in Utah, worked hard to ensure a fair process.

— Sean Reyes (@SeanReyesUT) November 6, 2020

Some mistakes were likely made innocently. Others appear very intentional. But, in either case, we should carefully review and remedy any such irregularities. For the sake of our nation and whomever wins this election, let’s make sure it is done fairly everywhere. #RuleOfLaw

— Sean Reyes (@SeanReyesUT) November 6, 2020

Reyes also clarified in his tweets that he was not using paid time off to cover his trip. Despite little details, Gill said Reyes’ action undermines the election process.

That said, he believes the country will come out strong.

“Let’s be patient,” Gill said. “Let’s let the process go itself out and we will all come through this stronger as a democracy.”