Matters that Matter: Time to vote already? Yes!
Laura Giles
Are the campaign texts, fliers in the mail and candidate ads on social media getting annoying? Probably so, but these minor irritations are part of an important process that will affect all of us. Even though it’s not November, which is typically election season, it’s an important time to vote as Utah’s primary election is on June 23.
Local elections are important. These decide which candidates move forward to possibly be voted into positions that help make decisions for the rest of us. These decisions can involve issues such as tax dollar spending, recreation, infrastructure, public safety, zoning changes, affordable housing, education and more.
Oftentimes, primary elections show low voter turnout. However, it’s so important to have the right people in office – people who will do what the majority of the residents in their areas would want them to do and make decisions for the good of the citizens. If our elected representatives are not doing the job we voted them in to do, it’s time for a change.
If you want to learn more about the primary elections, vote.utah.gov is full of valuable information. There is an entire section about security safeguards that are in place for elections in Utah. “Utah ensures the integrity and security of its elections by following strict procedures for the testing, certification, and use of voting equipment. Equipment used to scan ballots or tabulate votes has never been connected to the Internet and never will be,” it states on the site.
Other information on the site includes candidate biographies and descriptions of any issues that may be on the ballots. If you’re not sure who to vote for, this is a great place to start gathering information.
Not sure where to go to vote? Utah County is conducting a mail election. Ballots began being mailed to voters on June 2. Ballots must be received by the clerk’s office on or before 8 p.m. on Election Day. Ballots received after June 23 will not be counted. Ballots can also be dropped off at the Utah County Clerk’s office or at one of several drop box locations around the county. That information is all at vote.utah.gov as well.
If you’re not yet registered to vote, now is the perfect time. The online registration system at vote.utah.gov is an easy way to do it. What a privilege it is to have a voice in our government and in decisions that affect our lives.
Don’t forget to check out each candidate’s social media page and website to learn more. We need leaders who do what is right for the people. Let’s make every voice heard.
