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Get Ready to Vote
by Phil Windley
I’m sure regular readers of this site are already registered to vote and barring some last minute emergency, such as major surgery, will be at the polls on June 22nd. Still, you may have relatives or friends who aren’t ready and need your advice, so here’s a crib sheet for you:
To register, visit your County Clerk’s office by June 14th and take a few moments to fill out a voter registration card. I also have information about satellite voter registration sites that have been set up today and Monday at numerous locations in Utah county. If you know of similar activities elsewhere, please add them to the comments below.
The Republican primary is closed, meaning you have to be registered as a Republican to cast a vote. The deadline to change party registration for the June 22nd Republican primary election has passed. However, this only matters if you’ve previously affiliated with the Democrat or other party. You may change from “unaffiliated” to Republican at any time, up to and including at your polling place on election day.
There are no Democratic primaries for statewide races, as far as I know. That means that if you or your friend are Democrats, you’ll have to determine whether there’s even a primary going on in your area (for a legislative seat). Chances are slim. Again, if you know of Democratic contests, please list them in the comments below.
If, for any reason, you will not be able to vote in your home precinct on June 22nd, you may register to vote absentee. You may vote in person at your county clerk’s office up to, and including, June 21st. Or you may vote by mail; but please be aware that the ballot must be postmarked no later than June 21st and be received in the County Clerk’s office before noon on Election Day – June 22nd. You may also download the application (not ballot) from the Elections office and mail or hand-deliver it to your county clerk.
Its likely that voter turn-out in the primary will be very low. This gives you a great opportunity to influence the election, and the likely office-holder, significantly by encouraging people to vote and educating them on the issues and candidates. I ask people everyday who they’re voting for, whether they’re registered and then try to sell my choices. If a geek like me can do it, so can you. Get busy!
Posted by windley on June 11, 2004 06:06 AM
