Utah Lawmaker's Bill Would Remind Small Towns To Hold Elections

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A Utah lawmaker wants to make sure small towns don't forget to hold elections.

Ephraim Republican Rep. Jon Cox brings a proposal to ensure that such polls open. It comes after a community in the mountains near Salt Lake City missed its November election.

It was the second time Wallsburg forgot to publicize ballots for its 275 residents. Officials have said forgetfulness, not foul play, was to blame.

A county office or the lieutenant governor would schedule make-up elections under Cox's proposal. But the town would still be on the hook for related costs.

Cox says the bill is needed because under current state protocol, the missed contests keep officials in place until the next planned election two years down the road.

The bill awaits consideration in the full House.