Utah leaders react to findings from state election systems and controls audit

SALT LAKE CITY — Several Utah leaders are reacting to an audit that was released Tuesday, showing no evidence of systematic problems, widespread errors, or significant fraud in the state’s election systems.

Lt. Gov Deidre Henderson

Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson said she’s pleased with the findings of the audit, which was requested by the Legislative Audit Subcommittee last December.

She released a statement Tuesday, which reads in full:

I’m pleased the legislative audit found no evidence of systematic problems, widespread errors, or significant fraud in Utah’s elections systems. Further, I’m comforted that our election systems have dependable layers of defensive control measures to stop bad actors from undermining election integrity in the Beehive State.

The systems in place are the result of careful and deliberate efforts by the Legislature over many years to ensure that Utah voters have access to the ballot, confidence in the security of Utah’s elections, and the ability to hold those who run elections accountable for their performance.

Our work enhancing Utah’s election systems is never complete. We are continually looking for ways to improve. I appreciate the strong partnership with the Legislature and our 29 county clerks. We will continue to ensure eligible voters have access to the ballot while strengthening election security in Utah.

President J. Stuart Adams and Speaker Brad Wilson

President J. Stuart Adams and Speaker Brad Wilson said in a joint statement, “Upholding the election process is key to the democratic process, and our state will continue to ensure election integrity and proper oversight is in place. Utah has high standards for elections because we proactively look for ways to improve our process and build trust.”

The full statement reads as follows:

Utah is a national leader in elections and has taken extraordinary measures and implemented procedures to ensure the election process is fair. Over the past 10 years, Utah’s Legislative Auditor General has reviewed processes and procedures to verify elections are accurate. Upholding the election process is key to the democratic process, and our state will continue to ensure election integrity and proper oversight is in place. Utah has high standards for elections because we proactively look for ways to improve our process and build trust.

We appreciate the work of OLAG and the dedication and hard work of all election officers and employees throughout the state. We support the recommendation of having external audits part of the process, ensuring Utah’s election integrity remains the best in the nation. We look forward to collaborating with election officials to implement the recommendations. We are confident in Utah’s ability to conduct secure, fair and trustworthy elections and remain committed to evaluating and improving our election systems and processes.

Majority Leaders Rep. Mike Schultz and Sen. Evan Vickers

Majority Leaders Rep. Mike Schultz and Sen. Evan Vickers also released a joint statement Tuesday, saying, “We have the utmost appreciation for those who carry out elections across our state and praise them for their dedication to and participation in the democratic process. Just as all areas of government are audited on a regular basis, we echo the findings of the audit and believe an audit should be performed following every election.”

It went on to say, “We are excited for the opportunity to continually improve upon our systems and ensure voter confidence among Utahns.”