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S.B. 19 Enrolled

             1     

VOTER INFORMATION PAMPHLETS

             2     
2012 GENERAL SESSION

             3     
STATE OF UTAH

             4     
Chief Sponsor: Peter C. Knudson

             5     
House Sponsor: Kraig Powell

             6     
             7      LONG TITLE
             8      General Description:
             9          This bill amends provisions relating to voter information pamphlets.
             10      Highlighted Provisions:
             11          This bill:
             12          .    amends the dates by which information shall be submitted for the voter information
             13      pamphlet;
             14          .    makes the mailing of a voter information pamphlet optional in certain
             15      circumstances;
             16          .    authorizes a notice of:
             17              .    the website on which a voter information pamphlet is published; and
             18              .    methods to request a voter information pamphlet by mail;
             19          .    requires the lieutenant governor to conduct a study;
             20          .    requires the lieutenant governor to distribute the voter information pamphlet in
             21      certain locations; and
             22          .    makes technical changes.
             23      Money Appropriated in this Bill:
             24          None
             25      Other Special Clauses:
             26          None
             27      Utah Code Sections Affected:
             28      AMENDS:
             29          11-14-202, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2010, Chapters 90 and 388


             30          20A-7-209, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2011, Chapter 315
             31          20A-7-402, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2011, Chapter 335
             32          20A-7-702, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2011, Chapter 297
             33          20A-7-703, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 225
             34          20A-7-704, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2001, Chapter 65
             35          20A-7-706, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2011, Chapter 297
             36          20A-7-801, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2011, Chapters 291 and 340
             37     
             38      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             39          Section 1. Section 11-14-202 is amended to read:
             40           11-14-202. Notice of election -- Contents -- Publication -- Mailing.
             41          (1) The governing body shall ensure that notice of the election is provided:
             42          (a) once per week during three consecutive weeks by publication in a newspaper
             43      having general circulation in the local political subdivision in accordance with Section
             44      11-14-316 , the first publication occurring not less than 21 nor more than 35 days before the
             45      election;
             46          (b) on a website, if available, in accordance with Section 45-1-101 for the three weeks
             47      that immediately precede the election; and
             48          (c) in a local political subdivision where there is no newspaper of general circulation,
             49      by posting notice of the bond election in at least five public places in the local political
             50      subdivision at least 21 days before the election.
             51          (2) When the debt service on the bonds to be issued will increase the property tax
             52      imposed upon the average value of a residence by an amount that is greater than or equal to $15
             53      per year, the governing body shall prepare and mail either a voter information pamphlet or a
             54      notification described in Subsection (6):
             55          (a) at least [seven] 15 days but not more than [30] 45 days before the bond election;
             56          (b) to each household containing a registered voter who is eligible to vote on the
             57      bonds; and


             58          (c) that includes the information required by Subsections (3) and (4).
             59          (3) The notice and voter information pamphlet required by this section shall include:
             60          (a) the date and place of the election;
             61          (b) the hours during which the polls will be open; and
             62          (c) the title and text of the ballot proposition.
             63          (4) The voter information pamphlet required by this section shall include:
             64          (a) the information required by Subsection (3); and
             65          (b) an explanation of the property tax impact, if any, of the issuance of the bonds,
             66      which may be based on information the governing body determines to be useful, including:
             67          (i) expected debt service on the bonds to be issued;
             68          (ii) a description of the purpose, remaining principal balance, and maturity date of any
             69      outstanding general obligation bonds of the issuer;
             70          (iii) funds other than property taxes available to pay debt service on general obligation
             71      bonds;
             72          (iv) timing of expenditures of bond proceeds;
             73          (v) property values; and
             74          (vi) any additional information that the governing body determines may be useful to
             75      explain the property tax impact of issuance of the bonds.
             76          (5) The governing body shall pay the costs associated with the notice required by this
             77      section.
             78          (6) (a) The governing body may mail a notice printed on a postage prepaid,
             79      preaddressed return form that a person may use to request delivery of a voter information
             80      pamphlet by mail.
             81          (b) The notice described in Subsection (6)(a) shall include:
             82          (i) the website upon which the voter information pamphlet is available; and
             83          (ii) the phone number a voter may call to request delivery of a voter information
             84      pamphlet by mail.
             85          Section 2. Section 20A-7-209 is amended to read:


             86           20A-7-209. Ballot title -- Duties of lieutenant governor and Office of Legislative
             87      Research and General Counsel.
             88          (1) By [July 6] June 5 before the regular general election, the lieutenant governor shall
             89      deliver a copy of all of the proposed laws that have qualified for the ballot to the Office of
             90      Legislative Research and General Counsel.
             91          (2) (a) The Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel shall:
             92          (i) entitle each state initiative that has qualified for the ballot "Proposition Number __"
             93      and give it a number as assigned under Section 20A-6-107 ;
             94          (ii) prepare an impartial ballot title for each initiative summarizing the contents of the
             95      measure; and
             96          (iii) return each petition and ballot title to the lieutenant governor by [July 20] June 26.
             97          (b) The ballot title may be distinct from the title of the proposed law attached to the
             98      initiative petition, and shall be not more than 100 words.
             99          (c) For each state initiative, the official ballot shall show:
             100          (i) the number of the initiative as determined by the Office of Legislative Research and
             101      General Counsel;
             102          (ii) the ballot title as determined by the Office of Legislative Research and General
             103      Counsel; and
             104          (iii) the initial fiscal impact estimate prepared under Section 20A-7-202.5 or updated
             105      under Section 20A-7-204.1 .
             106          (3) By [July 21] June 27, the lieutenant governor shall mail a copy of the ballot title to
             107      any sponsor of the petition.
             108          (4) (a) (i) At least three of the sponsors of the petition may, by July [30] 6, challenge
             109      the wording of the ballot title prepared by the Office of Legislative Research and General
             110      Counsel to the Supreme Court.
             111          (ii) After receipt of the appeal, the Supreme Court shall direct the lieutenant governor
             112      to send notice of the appeal to:
             113          (A) any person or group that has filed an argument for or against the measure that is the


             114      subject of the challenge; or
             115          (B) any political issues committee established under Section 20A-11-801 that has filed
             116      written or electronic notice with the lieutenant governor that identifies the name, mailing or
             117      email address, and telephone number of the person designated to receive notice about any
             118      issues relating to the initiative.
             119          (b) (i) There is a presumption that the ballot title prepared by the Office of Legislative
             120      Research and General Counsel is an impartial summary of the contents of the initiative.
             121          (ii) The Supreme Court may not revise the wording of the ballot title unless the
             122      plaintiffs rebut the presumption by clearly and convincingly establishing that the ballot title is
             123      patently false or biased.
             124          (c) The Supreme Court shall:
             125          (i) examine the ballot title;
             126          (ii) hear arguments; and
             127          (iii) certify to the lieutenant governor a ballot title for the measure that meets the
             128      requirements of this section.
             129          (d) The lieutenant governor shall certify the title verified by the Supreme Court to the
             130      county clerks to be printed on the official ballot.
             131          Section 3. Section 20A-7-402 is amended to read:
             132           20A-7-402. Local voter information pamphlet -- Contents -- Limitations --
             133      Preparation -- Statement on front cover.
             134          (1) The county or municipality that is the subject of a ballot proposition shall prepare a
             135      local voter information pamphlet that meets the requirements of this part.
             136          (2) (a) The arguments for and against a ballot proposition shall conform to the
             137      requirements of this section.
             138          (i) To prepare arguments for or against a ballot proposition, a person shall file a request
             139      with the local legislative body at least [50] 65 days before the election at which the ballot
             140      proposition is to be voted upon.
             141          (ii) If more than one person requests the opportunity to prepare arguments for or


             142      against a ballot proposition, the governing body shall make the final designation according to
             143      the following criteria:
             144          (A) sponsors have priority in preparing an argument regarding a ballot proposition; and
             145          (B) members of the local legislative body have priority over others.
             146          (iii) (A) Except as provided by Subsection (2)(a)(iv), a sponsor of a ballot proposition
             147      may prepare an argument in favor of the ballot proposition.
             148          (B) Except as provided by Subsection (2)(a)(iv), a person opposed to the ballot
             149      proposition who submits a request under Subsection (2)(a)(i) may prepare an argument against
             150      the ballot proposition.
             151          (iv) (A) For a referendum, a person who is in favor of a law that is referred to the
             152      voters and who submits a request under Subsection (2)(a)(i) may prepare an argument for
             153      adoption of the law.
             154          (B) The sponsors of a referendum may prepare an argument against the adoption of a
             155      law that is referred to the voters.
             156          (v) The arguments may not:
             157          (A) exceed 500 words in length; or
             158          (B) list more than five names as sponsors.
             159          (vi) The arguments supporting and opposing any county or municipal ballot
             160      proposition shall be filed with the local clerk not less than [45] 50 days before the election at
             161      which they are to be voted upon.
             162          (b) The local voter information pamphlet shall include a copy of the initial fiscal
             163      impact estimate prepared for each initiative under Section 20A-7-502.5 .
             164          (3) (a) In preparing the local voter information pamphlet, the local legislative body
             165      shall:
             166          (i) ensure that the arguments are printed on the same sheet of paper upon which the
             167      ballot proposition is also printed;
             168          (ii) ensure that the following statement is printed on the front cover or the heading of
             169      the first page of the printed arguments:


             170          "The arguments for or against a ballot proposition are the opinions of the authors.";
             171          (iii) pay for the printing and binding of the local voter information pamphlet; and
             172          (iv) ensure that the local clerk distributes either the pamphlets or the notice described
             173      in Subsection (3)(c) either by mail or carrier not less than [eight] 15 days but not more than 45
             174      days before the election at which the ballot propositions are to be voted upon.
             175          (b) (i) If the proposed measure exceeds 500 words in length, the local legislative body
             176      may direct the local clerk to summarize the measure in 500 words or less.
             177          (ii) The summary shall state where a complete copy of the ballot proposition is
             178      available for public review.
             179          (c) (i) The local legislative body may distribute a notice printed on a postage prepaid,
             180      preaddressed return form that a person may use to request delivery of a voter information
             181      pamphlet by mail.
             182          (ii) The notice described in Subsection (3)(c)(i) shall include:
             183          (A) the address of the Statewide Electronic Voter Information Website authorized by
             184      Section 20A-7-801 ; and
             185          (B) the phone number a voter may call to request delivery of a voter information
             186      pamphlet by mail or carrier.
             187          Section 4. Section 20A-7-702 is amended to read:
             188           20A-7-702. Voter information pamphlet -- Form -- Contents -- Distribution.
             189          (1) The lieutenant governor shall ensure that all information submitted for publication
             190      in the voter information pamphlet is:
             191          (a) printed and bound in a single pamphlet;
             192          (b) printed in clear readable type, no less than 10 point, except that the text of any
             193      measure may be set forth in eight-point type; and
             194          (c) printed on a quality and weight of paper that best serves the voters.
             195          (2) The voter information pamphlet shall contain the following items in this order:
             196          (a) a cover title page;
             197          (b) an introduction to the pamphlet by the lieutenant governor;


             198          (c) a table of contents;
             199          (d) a list of all candidates for constitutional offices;
             200          (e) a list of candidates for each legislative district;
             201          (f) a 100-word statement of qualifications for each candidate for the office of governor,
             202      lieutenant governor, attorney general, state auditor, or state treasurer, if submitted by the
             203      candidate to the lieutenant governor's office before 5 p.m. on the date that falls 105 days before
             204      the date of the election;
             205          (g) information pertaining to all measures to be submitted to the voters, beginning a
             206      new page for each measure and containing, in the following order for each measure:
             207          (i) a copy of the number and ballot title of the measure;
             208          (ii) the final vote cast by the Legislature on the measure if it is a measure submitted by
             209      the Legislature or by referendum;
             210          (iii) the impartial analysis of the measure prepared by the Office of Legislative
             211      Research and General Counsel;
             212          (iv) the arguments in favor of the measure, the rebuttal to the arguments in favor of the
             213      measure, the arguments against the measure, and the rebuttal to the arguments against the
             214      measure, with the name and title of the authors at the end of each argument or rebuttal;
             215          (v) for each constitutional amendment, a complete copy of the text of the constitutional
             216      amendment, with all new language underlined, and all deleted language placed within brackets;
             217          (vi) for each initiative qualified for the ballot, a copy of the measure as certified by the
             218      lieutenant governor and a copy of the fiscal impact estimate prepared according to Section
             219      20A-7-202.5 ; and
             220          (vii) for each referendum qualified for the ballot, a complete copy of the text of the law
             221      being submitted to the voters for their approval or rejection, with all new language underlined
             222      and all deleted language placed within brackets, as applicable;
             223          (h) a description provided by the Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission of the
             224      selection and retention process for judges, including, in the following order:
             225          (i) a description of the judicial selection process;


             226          (ii) a description of the judicial performance evaluation process;
             227          (iii) a description of the judicial retention election process;
             228          (iv) a list of the criteria of the judicial performance evaluation and the minimum
             229      performance standards;
             230          (v) the names of the judges standing for retention election; and
             231          (vi) for each judge:
             232          (A) a list of the counties in which the judge is subject to retention election;
             233          (B) a short biography of professional qualifications and a recent photograph;
             234          (C) for each standard of performance, a statement identifying whether or not the judge
             235      met the standard and, if not, the manner in which the judge failed to meet the standard;
             236          (D) a statement provided by the Utah Supreme Court identifying the cumulative
             237      number of informal reprimands, when consented to by the judge in accordance with Title 78A,
             238      Chapter 11, Judicial Conduct Commission, formal reprimands, and all orders of censure and
             239      suspension issued by the Utah Supreme Court under Utah Constitution Article VIII, Section 13
             240      during the judge's current term and the immediately preceding term, and a detailed summary of
             241      the supporting reasons for each violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct that the judge has
             242      received;
             243          (E) a statement identifying whether or not the Judicial Performance Evaluation
             244      Commission recommends the judge be retained or declines to make a recommendation; and
             245          (F) any statement provided by a judge who is not recommended for retention by the
             246      Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission under Section 78A-12-203 ;
             247          (vii) for each judge, in a bar graph, the average of responses to each survey category,
             248      displayed with an identification of the minimum acceptable score as set by Section 78A-12-205
             249      and the average score of all judges of the same court level; and
             250          (viii) a website address that contains the Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission's
             251      report on the judge's performance evaluation;
             252          (i) an explanation of ballot marking procedures prepared by the lieutenant governor,
             253      indicating the ballot marking procedure used by each county and explaining how to mark the


             254      ballot for each procedure;
             255          (j) voter registration information, including information on how to obtain an absentee
             256      ballot;
             257          (k) a list of all county clerks' offices and phone numbers; and
             258          (l) on the back cover page, a printed copy of the following statement signed by the
             259      lieutenant governor:
             260          "I, _______________ (print name), Lieutenant Governor of Utah, certify that the
             261      measures contained in this pamphlet will be submitted to the voters of Utah at the election to
             262      be held throughout the state on ____ (date of election), and that this pamphlet is complete and
             263      correct according to law. SEAL
             264          Witness my hand and the Great Seal of the State, at Salt Lake City, Utah this ____ day
             265      of ____ (month), ____ (year)
             266     
(signed) ____________________________________

             267     
Lieutenant Governor"

             268          (3) No earlier than [40] 75 days, and no later than 15 days, before the day on which
             269      voting commences, the lieutenant governor shall:
             270          (a) (i) distribute one copy of the voter information pamphlet to each household within
             271      the state; [or]
             272          (ii) distribute to each household within the state a notice:
             273          (A) printed on a postage prepaid, preaddressed return form that a person may use to
             274      request delivery of a voter information pamphlet by mail;
             275          (B) that states the address of the Statewide Electronic Voter Information Website
             276      authorized by Section 20A-7-801 ; and
             277          (C) that states the phone number a voter may call to request delivery of a voter
             278      information pamphlet by mail; or
             279          [(ii)] (iii) ensure that one copy of the voter information pamphlet is placed in one issue
             280      of every newspaper of general circulation in the state;
             281          (b) ensure that a sufficient number of printed voter information pamphlets are available


             282      for distribution as required by this section;
             283          (c) provide voter information pamphlets to each county clerk for free distribution upon
             284      request and for placement at polling places; and
             285          (d) ensure that the distribution of the voter information pamphlets is completed 15 days
             286      before the election.
             287          (4) The lieutenant governor may distribute a voter information pamphlet at a location
             288      frequented by a person who cannot easily access the Statewide Electronic Voter Information
             289      Website authorized by Section 20A-7-801 .
             290          (5) The lieutenant governor shall:
             291          (a) conduct a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the notice authorized by this
             292      section; and
             293          (b) provide the results of a study described in Subsection (5)(a) to the Government
             294      Operations Interim Committee by October 1, 2013.
             295          Section 5. Section 20A-7-703 is amended to read:
             296           20A-7-703. Impartial analysis of measure -- Determination of fiscal effects.
             297          (1) The director of the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel, after the
             298      approval of the legislative general counsel as to legal sufficiency, shall:
             299          (a) prepare an impartial analysis of each measure submitted to the voters by the
             300      Legislature or by initiative or referendum petition; and
             301          (b) submit the impartial analysis to the lieutenant governor no later than the day that
             302      falls [75] 90 days before the date of the election in which the measure will appear on the ballot.
             303          (2) The director shall ensure that the impartial analysis:
             304          (a) is not more than 1,000 words long;
             305          (b) is prepared in clear and concise language that will easily be understood by the
             306      average voter;
             307          (c) avoids the use of technical terms as much as possible;
             308          (d) shows the effect of the measure on existing law;
             309          (e) identifies any potential conflicts with the United States or Utah Constitutions raised


             310      by the measure;
             311          (f) fairly describes the operation of the measure;
             312          (g) identifies the measure's fiscal effects for the first full year of implementation and
             313      the first year when the last provisions to be implemented are fully effective; and
             314          (h) identifies the amount of any increase or decrease in revenue or cost to state or local
             315      government.
             316          (3) The director shall analyze the measure as it is proposed to be adopted without
             317      considering any implementing legislation, unless the implementing legislation has been enacted
             318      and will become effective upon the adoption of the measure by the voters.
             319          (4) (a) In determining the fiscal effects of a measure, the director shall confer with the
             320      legislative fiscal analyst.
             321          (b) The director shall consider any measure that requires implementing legislation in
             322      order to take effect to have no financial effect, unless implementing legislation has been
             323      enacted that will become effective upon adoption of the measure by the voters.
             324          (5) If the director requests the assistance of any state department, agency, or official in
             325      preparing his analysis, that department, agency, or official shall assist the director.
             326          Section 6. Section 20A-7-704 is amended to read:
             327           20A-7-704. Initiative measures -- Arguments for and against -- Voters' requests
             328      for argument -- Ballot arguments.
             329          (1) (a) (i) (A) By [August] July 10 of the regular general election year, the sponsors of
             330      any initiative petition that has been declared sufficient by the lieutenant governor may deliver
             331      to the lieutenant governor an argument for the adoption of the measure.
             332          (B) If two or more sponsors wish to submit arguments for the measure, the lieutenant
             333      governor shall designate one of them to submit the argument for his side of the measure.
             334          (ii) (A) Any member of the Legislature may request permission to submit an argument
             335      against the adoption of the measure.
             336          (B) If two or more legislators wish to submit an argument against the measure, the
             337      presiding officers of the Senate and House of Representatives shall jointly designate one of


             338      them to submit the argument to the lieutenant governor.
             339          (b) The sponsors and the legislators submitting arguments shall ensure that each
             340      argument:
             341          (i) does not exceed 500 words in length; and
             342          (ii) is delivered by [August] July 10.
             343          (2) (a) (i) If an argument for or against a measure to be submitted to the voters by
             344      initiative petition has not been filed within the time required by Subsection (1), any voter may
             345      request the lieutenant governor for permission to prepare an argument for the side on which no
             346      argument has been prepared.
             347          (ii) If two or more voters request permission to submit arguments on the same side of a
             348      measure, the lieutenant governor shall designate one of the voters to write the argument.
             349          (b) Any argument prepared under this subsection shall be submitted to the lieutenant
             350      governor by [August] July 20.
             351          (3) The lieutenant governor may not accept a ballot argument submitted under this
             352      section unless it is accompanied by:
             353          (a) the name and address of the person submitting it, if it is submitted by an individual
             354      voter; or
             355          (b) the name and address of the organization and the names and addresses of at least
             356      two of its principal officers, if it is submitted on behalf of an organization.
             357          (4) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (4)(c), the authors may not amend or change
             358      the arguments after they are submitted to the lieutenant governor.
             359          (b) Except as provided in Subsection (4)(c), the lieutenant governor may not alter the
             360      arguments in any way.
             361          (c) The lieutenant governor and the authors of an argument may jointly modify an
             362      argument after it is submitted if:
             363          (i) they jointly agree that changes to the argument must be made to correct spelling or
             364      grammatical errors; and
             365          (ii) the argument has not yet been submitted for typesetting.


             366          Section 7. Section 20A-7-706 is amended to read:
             367           20A-7-706. Copies of arguments to be sent to opposing authors -- Rebuttal
             368      arguments.
             369          (1) When the lieutenant governor has received the arguments for and against a measure
             370      to be submitted to the voters, the lieutenant governor shall immediately send copies of the
             371      arguments in favor of the measure to the authors of the arguments against and copies of the
             372      arguments against to the authors of the arguments in favor.
             373          (2) The authors may prepare and submit rebuttal arguments not exceeding 250 words.
             374          (3) (a) The rebuttal arguments shall be filed with the lieutenant governor:
             375          (i) for constitutional amendments and referendum petitions, not later than the day that
             376      falls 120 days before the date of the election; and
             377          (ii) for initiatives, not later than [August] July 30.
             378          (b) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(d), the authors may not amend or change the
             379      rebuttal arguments after they are submitted to the lieutenant governor.
             380          (c) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(d), the lieutenant governor may not alter the
             381      arguments in any way.
             382          (d) The lieutenant governor and the authors of a rebuttal argument may jointly modify
             383      a rebuttal argument after it is submitted if:
             384          (i) they jointly agree that changes to the rebuttal argument must be made to correct
             385      spelling or grammatical errors; and
             386          (ii) the rebuttal argument has not yet been submitted for typesetting.
             387          (4) The lieutenant governor shall ensure that:
             388          (a) rebuttal arguments are printed in the same manner as the direct arguments; and
             389          (b) each rebuttal argument follows immediately after the direct argument which it
             390      seeks to rebut.
             391          Section 8. Section 20A-7-801 is amended to read:
             392           20A-7-801. Statewide Electronic Voter Information Website Program -- Duties of
             393      the lieutenant governor -- Content -- Duties of local election officials -- Deadlines _


             394      Frequently asked voter questions -- Other elections.
             395          (1) There is established the Statewide Electronic Voter Information Website Program
             396      administered by the lieutenant governor in cooperation with the county clerks for general
             397      elections and municipal authorities for municipal elections.
             398          (2) In accordance with this section, and as resources become available, the lieutenant
             399      governor, in cooperation with county clerks, shall develop, establish, and maintain a
             400      state-provided Internet website designed to help inform the voters of the state of:
             401          (a) the offices and candidates up for election; and
             402          (b) the content, effect, operation, fiscal impact, and supporting and opposing arguments
             403      of ballot propositions submitted to the voters.
             404          (3) Except as provided under Subsection (6), the website shall include:
             405          (a) all information currently provided in the Utah voter information pamphlet under
             406      Title 20A, Chapter 7, Part 7, Voter Information Pamphlet, including a section prepared,
             407      analyzed, and submitted by the Judicial Council describing the judicial selection and retention
             408      process;
             409          (b) all information submitted by election officers under Subsection (4) on local office
             410      races, local office candidates, and local ballot propositions;
             411          (c) a list that contains the name of a political subdivision that operates an election day
             412      voting center under Section 20A-3-703 and the location of the election day voting center; and
             413          (d) other information determined appropriate by the lieutenant governor that is
             414      currently being provided by law, rule, or ordinance in relation to candidates and ballot
             415      questions.
             416          (4) (a) An election official shall submit the following information for each ballot label
             417      under the election official's direct responsibility under this title:
             418          (i) a list of all candidates for each office;
             419          (ii) if submitted by the candidate to the election official's office [on or before August
             420      20 at 5 p.m.] at 5 p.m. at least 45 days before the primary election and 60 days before the
             421      general election:


             422          (A) a statement of qualifications, not exceeding 200 words in length, for each
             423      candidate;
             424          (B) the following biographical information if desired by the candidate, current:
             425          (I) age;
             426          (II) occupation;
             427          (III) city of residence;
             428          (IV) years of residence in current city; and
             429          (V) email address; and
             430          (C) a single web address where voters may access more information about the
             431      candidate and the candidate's views; and
             432          (iii) factual information pertaining to all ballot propositions submitted to the voters,
             433      including:
             434          (A) a copy of the number and ballot title of each ballot proposition;
             435          (B) the final vote cast for each ballot proposition, if any, by a legislative body if the
             436      vote was required to place the ballot proposition on the ballot;
             437          (C) a complete copy of the text of each ballot proposition, with all new language
             438      underlined and all deleted language placed within brackets; and
             439          (D) other factual information determined helpful by the election official.
             440          (b) The information under Subsection (4)(a) shall be submitted to the lieutenant
             441      governor no later than one business day after the deadline under Subsection (4)(a) for each
             442      general election year and each municipal election year.
             443          (c) The lieutenant governor shall:
             444          (i) review the information submitted under this section prior to placing it on the
             445      website to determine compliance under this section;
             446          (ii) refuse to post information submitted under this section on the website if it is not in
             447      compliance with the provisions of this section; and
             448          (iii) organize, format, and arrange the information submitted under this section for the
             449      website.


             450          (d) The lieutenant governor may refuse to include information the lieutenant governor
             451      determines is not in keeping with:
             452          (i) Utah voter needs;
             453          (ii) public decency; or
             454          (iii) the purposes, organization, or uniformity of the website.
             455          (e) A refusal under Subsection (4)(d) is subject to appeal in accordance with
             456      Subsection (5).
             457          (5) (a) A person whose information is refused under Subsection (4), and who is
             458      aggrieved by the determination, may appeal by submitting a written notice of appeal to the
             459      lieutenant governor within 10 business days after the date of the determination. A notice of
             460      appeal submitted under this Subsection (5)(a) shall contain:
             461          (i) a listing of each objection to the lieutenant governor's determination; and
             462          (ii) the basis for each objection.
             463          (b) The lieutenant governor shall review the notice of appeal and shall issue a written
             464      response within 10 business days after the notice of appeal is submitted.
             465          (c) An appeal of the response of the lieutenant governor shall be made to the district
             466      court, which shall review the matter de novo.
             467          (6) (a) The lieutenant governor shall ensure that each voter will be able to conveniently
             468      enter the voter's address information on the website to retrieve information on which offices,
             469      candidates, and ballot propositions will be on the voter's ballot at the next general election or
             470      municipal election.
             471          (b) The information on the website will anticipate and answer frequent voter questions
             472      including the following:
             473          (i) what offices are up in the current year for which the voter may cast a vote;
             474          (ii) who is running for what office and who is the incumbent, if any;
             475          (iii) what address each candidate may be reached at and how the candidate may be
             476      contacted;
             477          (iv) for partisan races only, what, if any, is each candidate's party affiliation;


             478          (v) what qualifications have been submitted by each candidate;
             479          (vi) where additional information on each candidate may be obtained;
             480          (vii) what ballot propositions will be on the ballot; and
             481          (viii) what judges are up for retention election.
             482          [(7) By not later than March 1, 2008, the lieutenant governor shall have the Statewide
             483      Electronic Voter Information Website Program ready for use in the next election in accordance
             484      with this section.]
             485          [(8)] (7) As resources are made available and in cooperation with the county clerks, the
             486      lieutenant governor may expand the electronic voter information website program to include
             487      the same information as provided under this section for special elections and primary elections.


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