Full Breakdown
Utah Primary Election: Low Turnout and Mailer Controversy
6/24/2026, 1:02:42 AM
Low Turnout as Primary Unfolds
Statewide voter participation was 19.4 % at 10 a.m. on Monday, according to the lieutenant governor’s office. Elections Director Ryan Cowley projected that the figure could climb into the mid-30 % range as ballots are submitted before polls close on Tuesday. He noted that primaries traditionally attract fewer voters than general elections and that “different things that bring voters out” influence turnout.
Mailer Controversy in Utah’s 2nd Congressional District
In the final days of campaigning for Utah’s 2nd Congressional District, opponents of incumbent Republican Representative Blake Moore raised concerns that postcards mailed by his office may breach the 60-day blackout rule that bars unsolicited mass communications before an election. The postcards highlighted Moore’s work on Medicare and urged recipients to subscribe to his email newsletter.
Official Statements & Responses
Moore’s office contended that the mailings complied with House rules because each batch contained fewer than 500 pieces, staying below the “mass communication” threshold defined by the Committee on House Administration. The office also asserted that the mailings were funded from the Members’ Representational Allowance to inform constituents about services, a practice recognized by the Congressional Management Foundation. Elections Director Cowley reminded voters that mail-in ballots must be deposited in a drop box or at a polling location by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, emphasizing that ballots should not be mailed.
Criticism & Opposition
State Representative Karianne Lisonbee, Moore’s intraparty challenger, called the practice a “loophole” that enables members of Congress to promote themselves with taxpayer funds and pledged to introduce legislation to close it. Local voter Rick Renda expressed irritation, stating that while informing constituents is appropriate, using the mailer as a self-promotion tool is unacceptable.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Sometimes it's the issues, the candidates. Primaries have historically had a lower turnout, so I don't think this is too far off from what we normally see in a primary election.” — Ryan Cowley, Elections Director
- “These communications were sent in batches of 499 or less, putting them below the threshold of a 'mass communication' and therefore exempt from blackout rules.” — Rachel Wagley, Chief of Staff
- “We work closely with the Communications Standards Commission to ensure compliance,” — Blake Moore, Representative
- “Taxpayer money should not, under any circumstance, be used to benefit the reelection campaign of a member of Congress.” — Karianne Lisonbee, State Representative
- “If you're doing this to talk to your constituents about issues that are important and keep them informed of issues that have gone on in Congress … that's great, but you shouldn't be doing it as kind of just a, 'Hey, I'm great, vote for me, remember me at primary time,'” — Rick Renda, Voter
Conflicting Interpretations & Gaps
The dispute centers on whether batches of 499 postcards constitute “mass communication” under House rules. Opponents argue the timing violates the 60-day blackout period, while Moore’s team cites the sub-500 threshold as a legal exemption. No definitive ruling on the matter has been issued.
Why It Matters
The controversy highlights ambiguities in federal communication rules that can affect campaign strategies and the perceived use of public funds. It also underscores the challenges of maintaining voter engagement in low-turnout primaries.
What’s Next
All primary ballots must be received by the county clerk’s office by 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Results will be posted on vote.utah.gov, and any legislative proposals to tighten communication rules are expected to be introduced in the upcoming legislative session.
