SALT LAKE CITY — A prominent member of the Republican party in Utah is urging minorities to affiliate with the GOP ahead of the June primary.
James Evans was the party chair from 2013-2017.
Evans issued a call to action for Utah minorities to register as Republicans so they can cast a ballot in the party’s closed primary on June 30.
He believes the nation is at a tipping point following the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis, Minn. The outrage that tragedy inspired has led to protests across the country demanding police reform."
“Those that are running for office for governor and attorney general, they will take notice if they see a huge surge of minority participation in the Republican primary,” Evans said.
He adds, the best way to enact change is at the ballot box. If enough minorities submit ballots, lawmakers and those who control policy will be forced to listen.
“The law enforcement community has too much influence on the Utah capitol,” Evans said. “In order to counterbalance that influence, you are going to have to have those affected by a lack of police reform to have their voices heard. The only way that is going to happen effectively, is to have the minority community to vote in the Republican primary.”
Voters have until June 19 to register to vote or change their party affiliation.
