Some Utah Voters Weigh Unregistering Over New Privacy Law

Concerns over voter data access prompt some Utahns to consider canceling their registration.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:40pm

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An extreme close-up of a voter registration form partially obscured by shadows, conveying the somber mood and personal stakes around the debate over voter privacy.As concerns over voter privacy protections escalate, some Utahns weigh giving up their right to vote to shield their personal information.South Jordan Today

A new Utah law that will make basic voter registration information publicly available for a fee has prompted some voters, like David Yoder, to consider unregistering to vote in order to protect their privacy. The law, SB153, lifts previous protections that allowed nearly 1.3 million Utah voters to keep their names, addresses, party affiliations and voting histories private. While the law includes an 'at-risk' designation to allow certain voters to maintain privacy, some Utahns don't qualify and are now weighing whether to give up their right to vote in order to shield their personal information.

Why it matters

The new law has sparked concerns about potential misuse of voter data, including fears of harassment, scams or other malicious acts targeting individuals. It also raises questions about the balance between voter privacy and election transparency. Some election officials worry the law could discourage voter participation.

The details

SB153, approved by the Utah Legislature earlier this year, will make basic voter registration information available to anyone who pays a $1,050 fee starting on May 25. This includes names, addresses, party affiliations and voting histories, but excludes more sensitive data like Social Security numbers and dates of birth. Voters can apply for an 'at-risk' designation to maintain privacy protections, but the criteria is limited to specific categories like domestic violence victims and public figures. Election officials say they've already received calls from some voters saying they plan to unregister to vote in order to shield their information.

  • The new law takes effect on May 25, 2026.
  • Voters have until May 6, 2026 to apply for 'at-risk' status to maintain privacy protections.

The players

David Yoder

A registered Utah voter living in South Jordan who is considering unregistering to vote due to privacy concerns over the new law.

Shelly Jackson

Deputy director of elections in the Utah lieutenant governor's office, who has received calls from some voters saying they plan to unregister to vote.

Lannie Jackson

The Salt Lake County Clerk, who has expressed concerns about county clerks having to determine who qualifies for 'at-risk' status under the new law.

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What they’re saying

“I've considered that, but at the same time I don't want to sacrifice my right to vote.”

— David Yoder, Registered Utah voter

“Yeah, I spoke to one last night, actually. He said he was in the process of unregistering.”

— Shelly Jackson, Deputy director of elections, Utah lieutenant governor's office

“I've heard from clerks who are like, 'I'm afraid of telling someone no, and then if something happens to them.'”

— Shelly Jackson, Deputy director of elections, Utah lieutenant governor's office

What’s next

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The takeaway

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