Candidate for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate Becky Edwards calls on incumbent Senator Mike Lee to condemn false allegations of voter fraud swirling just days before the Utah primary. 

By Deann Armes

“White Barn” by Ogden-based watercolor painter Cara Koolmees.
Image courtesy of carakoolmees.com

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Rep. Phil Lyman (R-Blanding), a Senator Mike Lee supporter, made allegations of voter fraud in Utah’s primary election on his social media account over the weekend.  His claims were based on “reports” that a voting machine changed people’s votes from Sen. Lee to Becky Edwards. The State said eight votes had been cast using the machine in question and that all of the votes were recorded correctly.

As news spread on Monday of the false rumors, Becky Edwards, a challenger to Sen. Mike Lee in the Utah primary race for the U.S. Senate, called on the incumbent senator to condemn the “egregious and unfounded” allegations by a Utah legislator and one of his supporters. 

Lee campaign spokesperson Matt Lusty issued a statement on Monday that “our campaign has every confidence” in the election process. 

During an interview with Becky Edwards on Monday afternoon, the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate told The Ogdenite that a statement by a campaign staffer is not sufficient. She said, “This is an opportunity and responsibility for Senator Lee to lead,” and that the situation requires a personal response from the senator. “The people of Utah need to have confidence that their votes count.”

False claims of voter fraud in Utah are of particular concern after “The Big Lie” of the 2020 election and as the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol undergoes hearings – and Senator Mike Lee’s involvement in trying to overthrow the 2020 election is in question. 

When asked for her take on the January 6 hearings and the false voter fraud claims in Utah, Edwards said, “I think it’s curious that in our state we are facing similar allegations.” 

“Like most Utahns, I'm still waiting for some clarity on Sen. Lee’s role in seeking the overturning of that fair and free election, his intent with those text messages and engagement during the process,” Edwards said. “And just like the January 6 commission, we are not seeing Mike Lee being clear, accountable, or transparent by calling out fraudulent claims when they occur. I think the people of Utah deserve better.”

On the campaign trail, Edwards said people say they’re not feeling heard and that elected officials aren’t in touch with their everyday concerns. There are also a lot of conversations about mass shootings and gun safety, and recently, the overturn of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court. 

“These are some pretty heavy and big issues that require a thoughtful approach that brings people together across the political spectrum, finds common ground, and then builds on that to actually work for solutions,” she said, citing the bipartisan gun safety legislation that was just passed. “This is another example of Mike being on the wrong side of the vote from where the vast majority of Utahans are,” Edwards said.

On the SCOTUS decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and how it will impact voter turnout, Edwards – who unlike Lee and Isom did not see a need to revisit it –  thinks people from all different perspectives will be drawn to vote, as big events can do, but focused more on the importance of voting.

“What I’m hoping is that people across the state just do the simple act we are so privileged to be able to do here in the United States, and in Utah. Find your ballot that was mailed to you, turn it in, and show up in person tomorrow and vote. Make your voices heard.”

Recommended further reading: This article by Utah Political Underground and this one by KUER for more information about what’s at stake in Tuesday’s Utah primary and how it can influence the future of the Utah Republican party.

People can still register to vote tomorrow at the polls. UNAFFILIATED voters may affiliate with the Republican Party and receive their ballot up to and including on Election Day. 

Find out where to vote on Tuesday, June 28, and read about the candidates:  vote.utah.gov.

This article was not paid for or affiliated with the Becky Edwards campaign.