The Elephant Club’s Session Newsletter is a weekly explainer published during the legislative session. It focuses on complex bills that benefit from plain-English explanations. Each issue highlights 1 bill, explains what it does, why it was introduced, and provides updates as the bill moves through the process. Content is prepared independently, with sponsor review for accuracy, and is intended to improve understanding for the public.

Bill of the Week

The Elephant Club’s Session Newsletter is a weekly explainer published during the legislative session. It focuses on complex bills that benefit from plain-English explanations. Each issue highlights 1 bill, explains what it does, why it was introduced, and provides updates as the bill moves through the process. Content is prepared independently, with sponsor review for accuracy, and is intended to improve understanding for the public.

• Bill number: HB 209

• Sponsor: Rep. Cory Maloy

• Where it'll be soon: Senate Government Operations Committee

• Why it’s complex: it creates two ballot types and a post-election cure process that some voters and election officials may struggle to understand quickly.

Why the Bill Exists

“I brought HB 209 forward because voters kept asking for clarity and confidence in our elections, and I believe citizenship and voting matter. The bill explains how federal and state elections are treated differently, as well as provides notice and a fair opportunity for voters to resolve any issues. It also respects legal immigrants and honors the significance of becoming a U.S. citizen, because casting a ballot as a citizen is a serious civic responsibility that deserves accuracy and trust.” - Rep. Cory Maloy

What the Bill Does

• Requires proof of U.S. citizenship to vote in Utah state and local elections.

• Allows voters without proof to vote in federal races only.

• Permits provisional state and local ballots if proof is provided within 10 days.

• Authorizes election officials to verify citizenship, notify voters, and remove non-citizens from the rolls after a dispute process
  

What Supporters Say

• Confirms that only U.S. citizens vote in state and local elections.

• Preserves access to federal voting with a cure option.

• Responds to voter concern about election integrity.

What Critics Worry About

• Adds steps for eligible voters to cast a full ballot.

• Creates cost and complexity for election officials.

• Risks errors that force lawful voters into a dispute process.
  

Why I Support the Bill

As President of the Utah Elephant Club, I support HB 209 because it reinforces confidence in our elections while preserving every eligible voter’s ability to participate. The bill keeps federal voting intact, adds a clear process to verify citizenship for state and local races, as well as includes notice and cure options to protect lawful voters. During a time when trust in institutions matters, I appreciate that this approach focuses on transparency and accountability without shutting people out of the process.

Take Action This Week

This bill will be heard in Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee
You can participate in two ways:

• Email committee members to share your perspective before the hearing.

• Testify in committee, either in person at the Capitol or virtually.
  
  

How to Testify
(it’s simpler than it sounds)

To testify before a legislative committee you don't need to be an expert and it’s not as intimidating as it may sound.

You can testify two ways

• In person: Attend the committee hearing at the Capitol.

• Virtually: Sign up online and testify by video.

Before the hearing

• Sign up using the committee’s public sign-up link if doing it virtually.

• Decide on one point you want to make.

• Plan to speak for 1–2 minutes.

When you testify

• State your name, you’ll also write this down if you’re testifying in-person

• Share a personal experience or local example.

• Stay focused on the bill at hand.

Good to know

• Committee members may ask a question.

• Written comments can also be submitted as an email if you prefer not to speak.

When testifying, clear and respectful comments are the most effective.

Updates on Prior Weeks

Check Back Next Week for Updates

Note from the Elephant Club President

Thank you for staying engaged this legislative session. If you know colleagues or community members who follow complex policy issues, please forward this along so we can help the public stay more informed.

Best,
Leslie Carpenter
President, the Utah Elephant Club

To read session newsletters or for more details on the Utah Elephant Club please visit the website below.
www.utahelephantclub.com