A guide to voting in Utah’s June 25 primary election
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Tuesday, June 25 is the day of Utah’s primary election, and if you are a newer voter or are simply looking for a refresher on how things work in Utah, here’s what you should know.
The primary election will encompass the gubernatorial, attorney general, and U.S. senate races, as well as races for several congressional seats. Those who win the primary election will face the Democratic candidates in the November general election.
LEARN MORE: Who is running for office in Utah in 2024?
If you want to participate in the primary election, you must be a member of the Democratic or Republican parties — or you must request a Democratic ballot. Registered members of those parties should have had ballots automatically sent to them.
The Democratic primary is considered “open,” meaning it is open to any voter regardless of their affiliation. The Republican primary is “closed,” which means it is open only to voters who are affiliated with that party.
As of Monday afternoon, nearly 25% of all ballots had been processed, according to Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson.
For Utahns who have yet to submit their vote, we’ve put together a guide. Click on the questions below to jump to that section:
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Where can you vote in Utah?
There are several polling locations as well as ballot drop-off areas across the state. To see the closest polling locations near you, visit Vote.Utah.gov and type in your address. This should lead you to a list of the closest polls, county clerk offices, and drop boxes available near you.
The polls and ballot boxes will be open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. across the state of Utah. According to Utah voting resources, those who are in line to vote by 8 p.m. will be permitted to do so.
If you have received a mail-in ballot and did not postmark it by Monday, June 24, you can drop it off at a county ballot drop box before 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
Legally, Utah employers must allow voters to leave work for up to two hours to vote without deducting anything from their regular wages. If voters have time to access the polls outside of work hours, the employers are not required to grant them time off.
Curious about which Voting District you’re in? Type your address into this map, and you can see your districts for Congress, the State Senate, State House, and State School Board.
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Who can vote in Utah?
There are three criteria for voters in Utah.
First, you must be a resident of the United States in order to be eligible to vote in Utah. Second, you must reside in Utah for at least 30 days prior to the next election.
Third, you must be at least 18 years old on or before the general election. If you are 17 years old at the time of the primary election, you may still vote if you are 18 years old on or before the date of the general election.
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How do you register to vote in Utah?
Did you know that if you are not yet registered to vote you can do so on Election Day?
To register on Election Day, you must bring a valid photo ID and proof of Utah residency to an Election Day vote center during polling hours.
“A poll worker will assist you in registering to vote and casting a provisional ballot on an electronic voting machine,” Salt Lake County said.
If you want to vote but are unsure if you have already registered, you can check your status online at votesearch.utah.gov. To check your registration status, you need to provide your name, date of birth, and address.
That website can also display tracking information for mail ballots or provisional ballots, but not if you voted at a voting machine or in person.
Once you register to vote in Utah, you don’t need to re-register unless your registration status changes.
“If you have moved outside of the state and returned, or your name has changed, or your registration has lapsed by not voting in the last two presidential elections you will need to re-register,” according to the Salt Lake County Clerk’s Office.
Online voter registration was available at vote.utah.gov, but the deadline for online registration was June 14. The deadline for registering by mail was also June 14.
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What are acceptable forms of ID to bring to a polling station?
One form of valid identification for voters should include a voter’s name and photograph. Examples are as follows:
A current and valid Utah driver’s license.
A current and valid ID card issued by the state or a branch, department, or agency of the United States.
A current and valid permit for carrying a concealed weapon.
A current and valid U.S. passport.
A current and valid U.S. military ID card.
The following forms of identification are also valid, even if they do not have a photo of the voter:
A valid tribal identification card.
A Bureau of Indian Affairs card.
A tribal treaty card.
Alternatively, you may bring two forms of ID that have your name and show evidence that you reside within the voting precinct. For the full list of additional identifications, click here.
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What are the rules for protesting or “electioneering”?
While it is legal in Utah to express favor or disapproval of candidates on election day — or attempt to persuade others with cards, signs, and handouts — there are some rules to keep in mind.
Electioneering is defined in Utah law as “any oral, printed, or written attempt to persuade persons to refrain from voting or to vote for or vote against any candidate or issue.”
This — as well as requesting signatures or circulating handbills of any kind — is permitted 150 feet away from a polling place, but no closer. Anyone who attempts to do these activities within 150 of a polling place may be subject to a class A misdemeanor.
It is also illegal to obstruct any doors that lead to a polling place or attempt to prevent people from accessing it.
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