Statements by the Leaders of Count My Vote
Executive Chair Rich McKeown issues statements on behalf of initiative leaders
Item One: The decision by the Republican Party to file a lawsuit against SB54:
“The Republican Party is a legal entity and as such is certainly entitled to its day in court. Count My Vote is confident that SB54 will pass judicial scrutiny. We expect the Utah Attorney General, and Lieutenant Governor in his role as the state’s Chief Election Officer, to vigorously defend the law as they have assured us they will. While the Party is legally entitled to make a case in court, it has become evident that such action will continue to erode the confidence of important Republican constituencies.”
Item Two: The letter by Republican Chair James Evans stating he doesn’t believe the party can comply with the requirements of SB54:
“The Republican Party has had, and will have, adequate time to comply with the provisions of SB54. The requirements are straightforward and compliance is not difficult. Non-compliance is a choice and the law contemplates such a decision by any political party. In such a situation, that political party would simply lose its capacity to nominate candidates through a party convention. Since the Republican Party has fought hard to preserve that option in the law, it seems unlikely, in the end, the Party will choose such a course. An inability to respond to this change in the state’s election laws could only be interpreted as poor leadership."
Count My Vote is committed to promoting, preserving, and implementing its vital election reforms. Count My Vote will support policies that enhance voter participation in Utah. To learn more about Count My Vote, please visit www.countmyvoteutah.org.
