The Hinckley Report

With about 10 days until the 2026 midterm election, the federal government now plans to send poll watchers to the Beehive State. In this episode, host Jason Perry leads a discussion digging into this latest news. Plus we discuss Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson's clash with the DOJ, voter confidence in Utah's election system, shifting voter affiliations, and the debate surrounding Amendment B. It's a detailed look at how election administration, public trust, and political messaging are shaping Utah's electoral landscape. THE DEEPER DIVE:• The U.S. Dept. of Justice plans to deploy election monitors across the country, including in Utah. Our expert panel discusses why many voters in the Beehive State may never notice them. Plus, while state leaders have welcomed lawful oversight, the move is generating debate because of the broader national conversation around election security and federal involvement in elections overall.• Earlier this year, Utah lawmakers commissioned a study to evaluate the security of the state's mail-in election system. Researchers released their findings this week and determined there is no substantial security difference between in-person and mail voting. The research also evaluated possible ways to strengthen election security. We discuss whether the benefits would outweigh the financial and logistical challenges for counties.• New polling finds roughly three-quarters of Utah voters have confidence in state and local governments to conduct fair and accurate elections. We explore how these numbers fit into the national conversation about voting access and confidence.• More Utah voters are moving away from formal political party affiliation, with numbers showing a notable increase in the number of unaffiliated voters in teh state. Our panel explores how dissatisfaction with national parties could be contributing to the trend, and whether these affiliation changes actually have any impact on election outcomes.• A proposal to change Utah's constitution has emerged as a major ballot issue. Amendment B would raise the approval threshold for citizen-led initiatives that increase taxes from a simple majority to 60 percent. The debate has attracted significant attention, substantial campaign spending, and could become one of the most influential issues on Utah's ballot this election cycle. ️ FEATURING:• Sean Higgins – Politics Reporter, KUER and Co-host, State Street Podcast• Holly Richardson – Co-host, Inside Sources• Daniel Woodruff – Reporter, KSL Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley

As Utah voters begin receiving their mail-in ballots, political conversations across the state are intensifying ahead of a pivotal midterm election. In this episode, host Jason Perry leads a discussion digging into polling and fundraising numbers to explore potential outcomes in several key races. Plus, our panel evaluates Utah's new voter verification requirements. THE DEEPER DIVE:• New voter verification requirements are in place in Utah. We discuss how they may affect thousands of Utah voters whose citizenship documentation could not be automatically verified. the conversation explores the balance between election security, voter access, and public confidence in the electoral process.• Utah's vote-by-mail system is evolving, including future changes that will require voters to opt-in to continue receiving ballots by mail. Panelists examine what these changes could mean for voter participation and election administration.• Inflation, housing affordability, and the overall cost of living remain top issues for many voters. The discussion highlights how economic pressures are shaping campaign messaging and influencing voter priorities ahead of Election Day.• Even though he is not on the ballot, Pres. Donald Trump remains a significant factor in the national political conversation. The panel examines how his influence continues to impact voter sentiment and Republican candidates across the country. Plus, how ongoing debates within the Utah GOP could shape future leadership, priorities, and electoral strategy.• ️ Congressional contests are drawing statewide attention as candidates make their final push toward Election Day. We break down the races, the political dynamics at play, and what the outcomes could mean for Utah's representation in Washington.• ️ Important battles are also taking place within Utah's state legislature. Leadership positions, particularly in the Utah Senate, could be influenced by the outcome of several competitive races. Our panel discusses how fundraising, candidate recruitment, and coalition-building today may shape legislative priorities and leadership decisions for years to come. ️ FEATURING:• Sarah Jane Weaver – Editor, Deseret News• Robert Gehrke – Reporter, The Salt Lake Tribune• Marty Carpenter – Partner, Northbound Strategy Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley

New polling suggests more Americans are re-evaluating the value of a college education. In this episode, host Jason Perry leads a discussion about how Utahns are feeling, and how state lawmakers are changing the way institutions are organized and funded. THE DEEPER DIVE:• Congressional debates are bringing the political process directly to college campuses across the state. Our expert panel discusses how this convergence helps prepare students for civic involvement later in life.• For the past couple of years, Utah has been transforming higher education in the state. At Snow College, part of that process has involved establishing the Badger Ready Initiative, a program designed to help students develop the skills and confidence to be thoughtful leaders and active contributors in their communities.• ⚖️ From a legislative level, the goal is for higher education institutions to be vibrant learning centers that approach issues from a position of neutrality. We explore how that allows students to grow without being told what to think.• New Gallup polling shows that on a national level, a decreasing number of Americans view a college education as "very important". Our panel evaluates what is eroding public trust in these institutions and what can be done to restore public confidence.• Polling from the Hinckley Institute of Politics shows that confidence is higher among Utahns compared to national numbers. Part of that trust may be due to the state's commitment to technical education and alternative education pathways. We discuss how Utah leaders have worked to expand opportunities for as many students as possible.• We're in the second year of implementing a strategic reinvestment initiative for Utah's higher education institutions. This required colleges and universities to redirect funding into high performing and high demand programs. We evaluate how things are going at campuses across the state, but especially at rural schools.• Utah's 18-to-24-year-old population is expected to keep growing until the year 2028 and then will decrease for the next two decades. This will likely present a serious enrollment challenge for the Utah System of Higher Education. Our panel discusses how these obstacles could allow higher ed to reinvent itself while still providing the learning opportunities Utahns need. ️ FEATURING:• Stacee McIff – President, Snow College• Rep. Karen Peterson – (R) Davis County• Francis Gibson – Chair, Snow College Board of Trustees Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley

On the same day prosecutors filed criminal charges against him, Rep. Trevor Lee resigned his position in the Utah House of Representatives. In this episode, host Jason Perry leads a discussion about the political ramifications in both Davis County and beyond. Plus, election season officially kicks off with the first of several congressional debates. THE DEEPER DIVE:• The Utah Debate Commission is traveling the state presenting debates for Utah's four congressional races. In the First District, Democrat Ben McAdams and Republican Riley Owen faced off at Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City. The two candidates appeared to cater to the political center with their rhetoric. Our expert panel breaks down how McAdams and Owen spoke to voters about economic issues like high gas prices, among other issues. • ️ In the Third District, incumbent Republican Celeste Maloy is facing Democrat Kent Udell in the election. Spanning from St. George in the south to Park City in the north, CD3 is unique both as the geographically largest district in Utah, but also as one of the top 10 largest in the country. We explore the political dynamics at play in this race and in the debate between the candidates.• ⚖️ On the state level, Utah Rep. Trevor Lee resigned from the House of Representatives this week on the same day the Attorney General's Office filed felony fraud charges against him. Lee lost his primary election earlier this year amid allegations of impropriety. The investigation into those claims led to this criminal case. Our panelists discuss the political implications to both Lee's successor, and to his mother, Susan Lee, who is in the middle of her own election bid, running for a seat on the Davis County Commission.• In November, Utah voters will decide whether to approve two different amendments to the state constitution. Amendment A would change the requirements for announcing and publicizing proposed constitutional amendments in the future. Proponents say this change brings the rules into the 21st century when newspapers are less prevalent. But others question whether this model would allow enough notice for voters to fully understand proposed changes.• Amendment B would require ballot initiatives that create or increase taxes to receive 60% support from voters. Our panel discusses how this would have impacted multiple initiatives passed by Utah voters back in the 2018 election cycle.• New polling evaluates how Utah voters are feeling ahead of the 2026 election. We dig into the numbers, examining how Republicans, Democrats, and Independents feel about the economy, social issues, and the election itself. ️ FEATURING:• Rep. Neil Walter – (R) St. George, Utah House of Representatives• Mary Weaver Bennett – Director, Leavitt Center for Politics and Public Service at Southern Utah University• Shawn Guzman – Political Expert and Former St. George City Attorney Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley

The mail-in ballot fight between the state and federal government raises the question: Do Utahns have trust in our elections, and confidence in the results? Our panel of experts weighs in on how the issue is impacting local elections, and what voters can do to better understand the process. On this episode, host Jason Perry opens discussion on the history behind Utah's now-popular way to vote, and what mail-in voting could look like from here. THE DEEPER DIVE:• ️ With a state versus federal debate unfolding over mail-in voting, we address voter trust and confidence in the upcoming election and results. What can voters do to understand and participate in the process? We break down the distinction between election fraud and election error.• Lieutenant Governor Diedre Henderson said in an interview with PBS Utah that she would be in favor of some sort of federal ID requirement to vote, but not through bills like the SAVE Act that called for immediate action. Our panelists weigh in on the implementation of that kind of legislation, and what the Lieutenant Governor is facing as we head toward the midterm elections.• ⏱️ How did Utah develop its mail-in ballot system in the first place? It started with a desire to increase voter turnout and accessibility for rural voters. We dive into the timeline and history, and explore why mail-in voting is still the top choice for voters.• ✅ Utah passed a law that requires voters to opt-in to mail-in voting. Hear discussion on the rollout and why some panelists hope the law can continue to be tweaked in future legislative sessions.• Voter confidence appears to be declining. With lawmakers passing dozens of elections laws in the last few years, we debate the role of elected leaders play in shaping that narrative and what can be done to rebuild trust. ️ FEATURING: • Amelia Powers Gardner – Utah County Commissioner• Lannie Chapman – Salt Lake County Clerk• Ben Winslow – Fox 13 Reporter Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley