In part, because the church emphasizes civic duty.
But mostly it's just math, combined with the tendency of Mormons to vote similarly.
If 80 percent of 60 percent of the population votes for the same person, that's 48% of the total vote. It wouldn't be hard to pick up another few percent from the remaining 40 percent of voters, and presto! The mormon will win most of the time.
There's a group of people that make laws with the approval of the church. I remember an article earlier this year that clearly stated that a recently passed law was approved by the church.
I don't like that some (several) states have separate districts for (State) senators & representatives, this easily confuses voters (two districts for each location).
in Washington, the state is divided into 49 legislative districts, each district has 1 senator & 2 reps which is much less confusing.
Simple math...in a winner take all democracy it only takes a majority(51%) to elect a representative. With 60% of the population is it is theoretically possible to elect 100% of the representatives if all 60% are committed and united to their own tribe.
U seem to be ignoring that legislatures are divided into districts; in Utah, some areas (SLC) are distinctly more liberal or at least less conservative than others.
I think the recent experience with marijuana reform may have been (I don't live there) a good example.
Yes, by answering a very general “why”question, I intentionally ignored a lot of detail and specifics that would skewer the IRL outcome of an election. A thorough study of the situation would probably be a good subject for a Political Science Masters Thesis. I have neither the time, inclination, nor resources to complete such an endeavor. However, thank you for your contribution.