This year’s election is going to have a big impact on the future of politics, and every vote will make a difference.
Registering to vote in 2018 is a simple process that can take only five to ten minutes and a little bit of initiative. Amy Bjorge, who works for the Salt Lake County Clerk’s Office, says the easiest way to register is actually online.
“Anyone with a state identification card can register online at vote.utah.gov or they can call the county clerk’s office and request a registration form by mail,” Bjorge says. “We just want [citizens] to know how easy it is.”
Those who prefer a more personable way of getting things done can stop by the county clerk’s office to register in person.
The last day to register is Oct. 30. However, the state of Utah passed a law that enables voter registration during the early voting period and Election Day.
Essentially, officials write down a voter’s personal information and give them a provisional ballot. After the election is over, the state reviews the provisional ballots to verify voter eligibility.
Bjorge, along with co-worker Nate Keyes, helped students register to vote Sept. 13 at South City Campus. Keyes says the clerk’s office wasn’t doing any more registration booths at the campus before the election, but groups within the school hold events to help get students registered all the time.
Unfortunately, no events for voter registration programs appear on the SLCC events calendar at time of publication, but that could change as the election nears.
Registering to vote has become a fairly simple process, along with the act of actually voting. Mail-in ballots require very little effort and are an effective way to hold an election.
Any registered voter in the state of Utah will receive a mail-in ballot, but they are not required. Citizens who prefer to vote in person can look online to find a voting center closest to their district.
Voting centers are often set up in schools, malls, and, federal or state buildings.
For more information on registering to vote and finding a voting center, visit www.got-vote.org or visit the Salt Lake County Clerk’s Office on 2001 S. State Street in Salt Lake City.
