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Electronic signatures are as valid as handwritten signatures in qualifying independent candidates who seek to get their names on the general election ballot, the Utah Supreme Court ruled Tuesday.
Farley Anderson, a Paradise entrepreneur and independent candidate for governor, beamed about the underdog victory the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah helped him achieve.
"This is a win for everyone in our state," Anderson told reporters in front of the Scott M. Matheson Courthouse, "and we're setting a precedent for the entire nation to follow."
Chief Justice Christine Durham wrote the 15-page opinion joined by associate Chief Justice Matthew Durrant, Justices Jill Parrish and Ronald Nehring and 2nd District Judge Glen Dawson, who was substituting for retired Justice Michael Wilkins. The ruling focused on common law and state statute that says a signer's intent is more important than the form of the signature -- whether written, electronic or just a mark or fingerprint.
The justices also believed that state law instructed them to liberally construe the statutory framework to give unaffiliated candidates a reasonable chance to make the ballot.
The ruling said, in part, "we conclude that the Lt. Governor exceeded the bounds...