County clerk candidate Jonna Whitesides urges weekly transparency on petitions and ballots

Jonna Whitesides, a candidate for Davis County clerk, told delegates at a Davis County Conservatives forum that public confidence in local elections "needs improvement" and that regular disclosure would help restore trust.

Whitesides, who described a background in auditing and public affairs, said the county should publish routine updates during petition drives and election counting. "You know, this week, we received x number of packets and x number of signatures in those packets. We have reviewed x number of signatures," she said, arguing that such rolling accountability would give voters a transparent baseline throughout verification and counting.

On pending state laws, Whitesides said she supports HB 209'which requires citizenship verification for certain processes'and that implementation details are largely prescribed by the bill. She emphasized training and uniform procedures for poll workers and said the treatment of ballots under the federal SAVE Act could affect whether voters receive full or provisional ballots for federal contests.

Delegates raised the subject of signature verification audits, which they described as finding the process subjective. Whitesides acknowledged the judgment calls involved and proposed stronger second reviews, improved training, and the option of outside audits or auditor involvement for disputed packets. "If needed, then you can also ask for outside help, whether that be independent third party or, from the auditor's office or lieutenant governor's office," she said.

Asked about mail-in voting, Whitesides said it provides convenience but has grown since COVID and can encourage apathy or improper handling of ballots. She said she favors limiting mail voting to protect security while maintaining voter access.

Whitesides also outlined staffing and finance questions for the clerk's office: she noted a documented increase from 14 to 20 full-time employees between 2023 and 2024, observed temporary election workers are available, and said staffing adequacy should be judged against post-election operational measures such as cure times. She also said the county controller's records did not make signature-gathering costs transparent and that she had requested more detailed cost information.

Whitesides closed by emphasizing accountability and a service orientation: she said a clerk's office should be "customer service oriented" and that officials should report back to voters about implemented improvements. The candidate repeatedly framed her proposals as operational fixes'training, reporting and independent review'rather than legislative changes beyond state requirements.

The forum, hosted by the Davis County Conservatives and moderated by the God and Country podcast team, gave Whitesides roughly 20 minutes to present, followed by delegate questions. Delegates were reminded the county convention is April 18; Whitesides asked delegates for their support at the convention.