Here’s what you need to know about Amendment C

SALT LAKE CITY — There’s been a lot of discussion on Amendments A and D, but what about Amendment C? What is it, and what will it mean for Utahns if it passes?

KSL Legal Analyst Greg Skordas joined Dave and Dujanovic to break it down.

 

What is Amendment C?

On the ballot, Amendment C reads, “Shall the Utah Constitution be amended to have the office of county sheriff be elected by voters?”

In Utah, we already elect our sheriffs, so the question here is, what will change?

“We have historically elected the sheriffs, but it’s not because we have to. It’s just because we have,” Skordas said. “And so some counties have said, ‘Well, it’s not [a requirement]. Maybe our County Commission, or our County Council can select the sheriff in the future.’

“So the sheriffs got together and said, ‘Wait a minute. We’ve always been elected. We think we should be elected. Let’s change the Constitution to make that a requirement going forward.'”

Unlike Amendments A and D, votes for Amendment C will count. If it passes, it will solidify the existing sheriff election system.

The role of sheriffs

Sheriffs have several responsibilities, which is one reason why they follow an election process.

Providing security for county facilities and patrolling unincorporated areas make up just a portion of their job description. On top of that, they serve as bailiffs for the courts and transport prisoners.

Kane County Sheriff Tracy Glover also explained the amendment on Jeff Caplan’s Afternoon News:

 

Related:

• Need help filling out your ballot? Here’s what you should know
• Utah Supreme Court issues reasoning for voiding Amendment D
• Reaction to Utah Constitutional Amendment A ruling