SALT LAKE CITY — A state lawmaker will revive her bill seeking to end straight party voting in Utah.
Rep. Patrice Arent, D-Millcreek, said she will introduce the bill in the upcoming legislative session. It would eliminate the option for someone to just mark “R” or “D” instead of going through each name on the ballot.
She said banning straight ticket voting would be good for voters and candidates.
“Candidates are able to talk to the voters, voters are able to learn about the people running in their districts,” Rep. Arent said.
Straight party voting may be convenient, but it also causes confusion, Rep. Arent believed.
“I just ran into someone today and she said she was so thrilled and she voted Republican and she was glad I won,” Rep. Arent, a Democrat, chuckled. “I said, ‘No, you didn’t vote for me.’ She said, ‘Oh, I’m so sorry but I have to vote straight-ticket Republican and that’s what’s required.” – READ MORE