Judge rules against Colby Jenkins in uncured ballots lawsuit
Jul 8, 2024, 6:15 PM
FILE: Colby Jenkins at the 2nd Congressional district debate between Celeste Maloy in Salt Lake City on Monday, June 10, 2024. Colby Jenkins officially requested a recount with the Lieutenant Governor’s Office in the outcome of the 2nd Congressional District GOP race. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)
(Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Colby Jenkins’ campaign was dealt a big blow in Washington County on Monday. A judge ruled against him in a lawsuit that could’ve impacted the extremely close GOP primary in 2nd Congressional District. Jenkins is running against Rep. Celeste Maloy, R-Utah.
The lawsuit involves “uncured” ballots or ballots that have an issue with the signature.
The Washington County Clerk had until Monday, July 8, to inform voters about issues with their ballots. Then, the voters have a chance to fix their ballot.
But Colby Jenkin’s campaign asked a judge to compel the clerk to give Jenkins the list of voters with an issue, so he could reach out and tell them to fix it.
Jenkins is currently behind Maloy by just around 300 votes.
Fifth District Judge Jay Winward rejected Jenkins’ request, saying the law gives county clerks discretion on releasing lists of any so-called “uncured” ballots.
“A person who casts a vote and does not want to have their name disclosed has every right to ask their elected official not to disclose,” Windward said.
He also said that any voter could request complete privacy by asking for none of their information to be released.
“The crucial item of importance is that these voters have their voices counted,” he said.
