SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Governor Spencer Cox has publicly defended Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson following news of a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into Henderson's office. Governor Cox's defense came one day after it was reported that Henderson is under formal investigation by the federal agency concerning her duties as Utah's chief elections officer.
Lt. Governor Henderson herself announced the investigation on social media Wednesday, stating that the DOJ was investigating her for failing to comply with her responsibilities under state law. The Department of Justice had previously threatened Henderson with criminal prosecution if she did not hand over the state's voter records list, according to the information Henderson provided.
In response, Governor Cox stated that it was wrong for the DOJ to investigate or threaten the lieutenant governor for carrying out her responsibilities under Utah law. He added that any legal disagreements between state and federal governments should be resolved in court, rather than through federal investigations targeting state officials.
Utah has been among several states that have declined to provide their voter records lists to federal agencies. This refusal occurs amid ongoing allegations of election irregularities, which the source material notes are "unsupported," made by the Trump administration. The context of these allegations is tied to the federal agency's demand for the state's voter data.
Following the notification of the DOJ investigation, Lt. Governor Henderson expressed her view on the agency's actions. Henderson stated that the DOJ should focus on "actual problems instead of baselessly harassing election officials." Her remarks underscored a frustration with the federal scrutiny directed at her office.
Prior to the DOJ's formal investigation, Henderson's office conducted its own review of the state's voter rolls. This internal review found a minimal number of noncitizens on the expansive list. Out of Utah's 2.1 million-strong voter rolls, only 27 noncitizens were identified. According to the review, none of these individuals had ever cast a ballot, and all 27 were subsequently removed from the voter rolls. This internal finding provides context to the thoroughness of the state's own election oversight.
Governor Cox reiterated his position that the proper venue for resolving disputes between state and federal entities regarding election laws is through legal channels. His comments underscored a belief that the DOJ's current approach is an overreach into state responsibilities, particularly given the state's efforts to ensure the integrity of its voter registration processes as evidenced by the internal review findings. The ongoing investigation raises questions about the division of authority between state and federal agencies concerning election administration and voter data management.
