In a recent gathering at the Hinkley Institute of Politics, Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson addressed a crowd of students and community members, emphasizing the critical role of elections in safeguarding democracy. Elected in 2020, Henderson serves as Utah's chief election officer and secretary of state, overseeing the integrity of the electoral process in the state.

During her speech, Henderson highlighted her administration's efforts to enhance voter participation, transparency, and election security, positioning Utah as a national model for fair and trusted elections. She underscored the importance of these principles, stating, \"Safeguarding the most fundamental right of citizens to vote in free and fair elections is a responsibility that keeps me up at night.\"

The lieutenant governor also addressed a recent alarming incident where an envelope containing suspicious powder was sent to her office, linked to a group threatening election officials nationwide. She condemned such attacks as detrimental to the political institutions that uphold liberty and free government, asserting that the threats were aimed not just at her but at the voters themselves.

Henderson's remarks included a commitment to provide essential information about the upcoming elections, outlining potential risks and actions to mitigate them. She stressed the importance of learning from history to uphold the democratic values upon which the nation was founded. Following her address, she invited questions from the audience, further engaging with the community on the vital topic of electoral integrity.