Over the past 40 years, Utah has gone from the state with the highest voter turnout to fourth from the bottom. It is no coincidence that over that same time period, Utah became a one-party state. Not only is Utah a reliable state for a Republican presidential nominee but statewide and local races are rarely competitive. The result is the absence of presidential campaigns, fatalism on the part of both Republicans and Democrats who see their presidential vote as unnecessary, the dearth of campaign activity in most of the state for statewide and legislative races, and the decline of political party organizations who have no reason to mobilize voters when elections are foregone conclusions.

The main cure is competition. Utah needs a competitive two-party system. Competition is required not only to provide healthy rotation in office and another check on the power of elected officials, but, as we are realizing now, it offers a compelling reason for voters to come out to the polls.

How can the lieutenant governor, along with other elected officials, stimulate competition and encourage voter turnout? Here are some suggestions:

1. Eliminate the straight party voting option. That option reinforces the perception in most of the state that there is only one party to vote for and that individual candidates don't really matter. We should encourage voters to take voting seriously rather than view it as merely pressing a party lever and going home.

2. Strip the county clerks of the power to determine ballot order. In nearly all counties, that power allows clerks to benefit the Republican Party by assuring Republican candidates always go first.

3. Create an independent redistricting commission. Both congressional and legislative districts should be apportioned to encourage, not depress, voter turnout. As long as the Republican-dominated Legislature controls the redistricting process, they will use that power to create non-competitive districts that rob party organizations of incentives to mobilize voters and result in voter disengagement.

The consequences of a one-party state are coming home to roost. It's past time to take action to restore Utah as a shining example of civic involvement in the electoral process.

Richard Davis, chairman of Utah County's Democratic Party, is a professor of political science at Brigham Young University.