Utah governor signs bill ending state's universal vote-by-mail system

Utah GOP Gov. Spencer Cox on Wednesday signed a bill eliminating his state's universal vote-by-mail ballot system.

Voters in Utah will no longer automatically receive a mail-in ballot, but can still request one when registering to vote, when they obtain or renew driver’s licenses and identification cards, or when they show up at a polling place to vote in person.

The new law also shortens the amount of time that someone can cast their absentee or mail-in ballot, by requiring they be submitted by 8 p.m. on Election Day, instead of just postmarked by Election Day, The Hill reported.

Cox also signed 99 other pieces of legislation on Wednesday, including bills on social security taxes and income tax.

“I’m proud to sign S.B. 71, Social Security Tax Revisions, a measure that will help an estimated 90,000 Utah seniors keep more of their hard-earned income," the governor said in a statement. "As our population ages, it’s critical that we do more to support older Utahns and the families who care for them. This tax relief is a practical way to recognize the contributions of those who helped build the strong, prosperous state we have today."

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.