Utah Voters Getting It Done
Apparently, Utahns are enthusiastic on getting out and voting in this election. And we're not waiting. According to a post on X (formerly Twitter) this morning from Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson, some 520,176 of us in Utah have already cast our ballots. That's just shy of 29% of the registered voters here in the Beehive state.
That's better than the full turnout we have had on some elections, and the official election day is still six days away on the day I'm writing this.
Most of the ballots received have come in via the mail in route. But, 11,292 people have already cast their ballots in person. And, if I can give us a collective pat on the back here in southern Utah, we're setting the pace.
More than 50% of registered voters in Piute County have already got the job done. Garfield, Gran, Kane, San Juan, and Wayne counties all have over 40% of votes cast. Over 30% of voters in Iron and Millard counties have sent in their ballots. Beaver and Washington counties already have over 20% voter participation.
I've said this before on the air, and I still maintain there's something missing about not going to the voting locations on election days and casting a ballot. I think it was a little more symbolic of our commitment to participate in the elective process. But there are, without question, advantages to early voting, allowing voters to participate in elections with convenience and enthusiasm. Across the nation, voters are turning out in record numbers even before Election Day, marking their commitment to civic duty.
This enthusiasm for early voting stems from various factors, with convenience being one of the most significant. With extended voting periods, people can sidestep long lines, coordinate voting around work and personal commitments, and even vote on weekends. Early voting also means voters can avoid unforeseen hurdles like illness or bad weather, knowing their voices will still be counted.
And Iron County Clerk Jon Whittaker pointed out on a recent visit on the radio with us, voter participation has increased dramatically since early and mail in voting have been put in to play.
For those who have yet to cast your ballot, a couple of things to keep in mind. Ballots must be postmarked by Monday, November 4th (not Tuesday, November 5th). If you are still planning to got to the post office, it is strongly recommended that you take you ballot to the window and ask the postal clerk to put a hand stamp on it.
Early voting and drop box locations are available now in Iron County and you can get more information and locations here.
Over a quarter of us in Utah have already taken care of our civic duty. That's commendable.
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Gallery Credit: Jess