Vote-by-mail goes countywide

Salt Lake County voters will have more options to cast their ballot this year, thanks to the County Council’s decision to go vote-by-mail for both the primary and general elections. Elections are exciting for voters—and often nerve-wracking for candidates—but they are also a lot of work for the County Clerk’s office, the entity charged with running elections.

I feel very strongly about getting as much information to as many voters as possible, and providing convenient ways for our residents to make their voices heard. So I wanted to share some highlights of how elections will work this year.
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• For the primary election, any unaffiliated voters will receive a letter asking them if they want a Democratic or Republican ballot.  (Unaffiliated voters who do not respond and select a political party primary ballot will be sent a ballot for nonpartisan contests if they apply in their precinct.)

• The June 28th Primary Election will be conducted primarily by mail. That means on June 6th, ballots will be mailed to registered voters.
• Voters have several options:
  • Mail your ballot back using the postage-paid envelope that will be provided. Make sure it is postmarked by June 27th (the day before election day)
  • You can also take your ballot to early voting locations, which will will be open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from June 15 – June 24th.  For a list of locations and hours, visit GOT-VOTE.org.
  • Drop off your ballot in person on election day. To find a location near you, click here

For the general election, only people who have voted within the last four years or haven’t moved since they last voted will receive a ballot. So if it’s been a while, make sure you contact the County Clerk’s office to ensure your registration is up to date. General election ballots will be mailed October 10th. Residents can also vote during early voting and on election day if they prefer.

Electing our leaders is a crucial responsibility for county residents. I encourage everyone to carefully read about the candidates and the issues, and then vote using one of the methods available.

Lastly, I came across this helpful frequently asked questions page that can help shed some light on vote by mail.

To find out more information about this year’s election process, visit GOT-VOTE.org or call 385-GOT-VOTE (385-468-8683).