Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson designates Greg Bell as independent advisor

SALT LAKE CITY (Mar. 5, 2024) – Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson has designated Greg Bell to serve as an independent advisor for any complaints that may arise during the 2024 gubernatorial election. Because she is up for re-election this year as the running mate to Gov. Spencer Cox, Lt. Gov. Henderson is sequestering herself from questions arising in their race. Last week, she issued an internal memorandum to her staff that outlines a detailed process for review and decision-making. A similar procedure was established by then-Lt. Gov. Cox during the 2020 election.

“As a former lieutenant governor, Greg Bell has both the expertise and experience to provide sound, independent recommendations,” Henderson said. “This precautionary measure is an extra effort to prevent any perceived or actual bias in the gubernatorial election. I appreciate former Lt. Gov. Bell’s willingness to serve in this advisory capacity.” 

Should an issue arise, Utah Director of Elections Ryan Cowley will make all decisions that have a clear answer under state law. For more difficult or controversial questions, Director Cowley and the lieutenant governor’s assistant attorney general will ask former Lt. Gov. Greg Bell to study the matter and make a recommendation to Lt. Gov. Henderson. Such recommendations will be made public.

In Utah, county clerks run elections and perform all related operations. Ballots are not handled or counted by anyone in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. Other than the process outlined above, Lt. Gov. Henderson will maintain her normal direct and supervisory authority over elections in the state as required by statute.