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Upholding the Caucus and Convention System in Davis County
I recently received official correspondence from Davis County Clerk Brian McKenzie and Elections Manager Lori Schiess confirming that Clerk McKenzie has met the valid signature threshold to seek the Republican Party nomination through the signature-gathering pathway, as outlined in Utah Code 20A-9-201(2)(b)(iv). While this pathway is permitted under state law, it stands in contrast to the bylaws of the Davis County Republican Party, which clearly state: “7.8.7 The only author
Jona Whitesides
Apr 62 min read
A Letter to County Delegates
Public Trust Must Be Earned: Accountability Over Incumbency Congratulations on Being Elected as a Delegate! Dear Delegate, Thank you for stepping forward and serving as a delegate. Your role is critical in preserving a system of elections that is local, accountable, and truly by the people. I’m running as a convention-only candidate because I believe in the caucus and convention system and in the responsibility entrusted to you. I am asking for your support and vote at the Co
Jona Whitesides
Mar 212 min read
Davis County Caucus Night – March 17, 2026
Tomorrow night, neighbors across Davis County will gather for Caucus Night, one of the most important grassroots traditions in our republic. While it may not receive the same attention as Election Day, Caucus Night is where self-government begins at the neighborhood level. Caucus Night is a meeting of neighbors within the same voting precinct. Citizens come together to meet one another, discuss the issues affecting their communities, and elect delegates who will represent the
Jona Whitesides
Mar 161 min read
Why Lincoln Day Matters, Especially for Election Integrity
As we gather for the Lincoln Day Dinner in Davis County, we honor the legacy of Abraham Lincoln, a leader who defended constitutional government at the most fragile moment in our nation’s history. But this dinner is more than tradition. It is a reminder that our republic survives only when the public trusts the process by which leaders are chosen. In 1864, in the middle of the Civil War, Lincoln allowed a national election to proceed even though his own reelection was uncert
Jona Whitesides
Feb 211 min read
Chain of Custody and Public Records
Petition packets are government records, and clear custody matters. Public information shows that some signature packets were unaccounted for at various points , and packets expected to follow one process were reportedly routed elsewhere between the Clerk’s Office, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Lieutenant Governor’s Office. These concerns underscore why documented chain-of-custody and public access to records are essential for public confidence . Sources & Documents
Jona Whitesides
Dec 27, 20251 min read
Transparency: What Changed?
Utah has precedent for transparency. In prior petition efforts, signer names were publicly viewable online , allowing residents to verify participation without unnecessary barriers. During and after this process, key records were difficult to access, and requests were redirected between offices. Utah law allows redaction of sensitive information, but it does not require secrecy. Transparency should be practical and accessible, not complicated. Sources & Documents Davis County
Jona Whitesides
Dec 27, 20251 min read
Signature Verification Before the Agreement Was in Effect
The interlocal agreement states it becomes effective only after all parties sign . The final signature from the State occurred on March 19, 2024 . By that time, signature gathering for the 2024 election cycle was already well underway. This raises an important process question about what legal framework and procedures were used for verification prior to the agreement taking effect . Clear authority should exist before public work begins. Sources & Documents Interlocal Coope
Jona Whitesides
Dec 27, 20251 min read
Public Trust Depends on Clear Authority
The interlocal agreement authorizing Davis County to verify statewide candidate petitions was not signed by the State until March 19, 2024 , just weeks before the April 27, 2024 Republican State Convention. Signature gathering, however, had already been underway for months.It is reasonable to ask: what governed verification activities before the agreement was effective? Transparency starts with answering that question. Sources & Documents Interlocal Cooperation Agreement be
Jona Whitesides
Dec 27, 20251 min read
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