Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Eligible To Vote In Utah?
To register to vote in Utah, you must:
- Be a citizen of the United States;
- Have resided in Utah at least 30 days immediately before the next election;
- Be at least 18 years old on or before the next election.
The legislature passed a law which has been in effect since May 12, 2009, all voters must present voter identification to the poll worker before voting. The identification must be valid and show your name and photograph, OR you may provide (2) two different documents that show your name and current address. For a list of valid voter identification click here.
When May I Register To Vote?
By-Mail Registration: You may register to vote year round. However, by-mail forms must be received by the Salt Lake County Clerk or postmarked at least 30 days before an election in order for you to be eligible to vote in that election. To participate in early voting, you must register to vote at least 30 days before the election.
Online Registration: Simply visit the Online Voter Registration website to find out more. You need to have a current Utah Driver's License or ID Card in order to register using the online system. Your online voter registration must be submitted 15 days prior to an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
Online Voter Registration Website
In-person Registration: Registration may be done in person at the Salt Lake County Elections Division, 2001 South State Street, Room #S1100. The office is open weekdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and closed on legal holidays. Your in-person voter registration must be submitted 15 days prior to an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
Re-Register To Vote If You:
- Change your name and/or address
- Change your political party
If you are not sure if you are registered to vote, please call the Salt Lake County Elections Division at (385) 468-7400 or to check your registration status.
What Information Will I Receive After Registering To Vote?
- Once you register to vote, you will be sent a Voter Information Card, which lists your precinct number and various political jurisdictions, i.e. congressional district, state house and senate, county council, city council, local school board, etc. Or check our online voter information page. The Voter Information Card is not needed in order to vote as it is for informational purposes only.
- About 3 weeks prior to each election, every household will be mailed a Polling Location Notice, which will identify the polling location for the election as well as early voting locations.
- NOTE: In odd-numbered municipal election years, Polling Location notices are mailed only to the residents of those cities who contract election services with the County Clerk.
- In order to vote on Election Day, voters need to go to the polling location identified on the Polling Location Notice where their name will be listed on the Official Register. All voters must present identification at their polling place.
Can I Vote In My Old Voting Precinct After I Move?
No. Salt Lake County is divided into many political jurisdictions. Elected officials represent citizens who live within a specific area. It is important to re-register to vote when you move to a new address to ensure that you are voting for candidates representing your area.
What if I move and don't get re-registered by the deadline?
If you have been previously registered in the state of Utah, you may vote a provisional ballot at your new polling location that will be counted and your voter registration will be updated.
Do I Have To Select A Political Party When I Register To Vote?
You may select "no party preference" on your voter registration form or you may designate a party. In the political party’s primary election held in June (even-numbered years), you may only vote for the candidates of one political party. (Specific restrictions may apply if a party chooses to hold a closed primary.) However, in the general election held in November, you may vote for candidates of any political party.
Can I Vote Prior To Election Day?
Yes. The Clerk's Office provides voters the option of voting prior to Election Day at an early voting location. Voters do not need an excuse to utilize this convenient voting method. Registered voters may visit any early voting location and cast a ballot in person using a touch screen voting device.
Early voting aims to maximize the opportunity to vote by allowing the County Clerk to designate early voting locations and hours beginning 14 days before Election Day, ending the Friday before Election Day. In order to be eligible to participate in Early Voting, voters must be registered to vote at least 30 days prior to the election and provide photo identification. Early voting locations.
Why does my precinct boundary change?
State Law requires county clerks to establish precincts that contain no more than 1,200 registered voters. As voter population and political jurisdictions change, precincts must be adjusted to best serve voters. By law, precinct boundaries can only be adjusted in odd-numbered years.
If I Want To Work At The Polls, How Do I Apply?
Some poll workers are appointed at the political party caucuses, which are held in March of even-numbered years, but the County Elections Division fills in vacancies and is always looking for recruits. Poll Worker Information.
How Do Municipal Elections Differ From County Elections?
Municipal elections are nonpartisan and are held in odd-numbered years to elect the city mayor and council members. These elections are administered by the City Recorders although many cities contract for election services from the County Clerk. Polling locations may be different than those used in even-numbered years since precincts are consolidated as a cost-saving measure. If you have any questions regarding municipal elections, please contact your City Recorder. Countywide elections are held in even-numbered years and are administered by the County Clerk.
The Elections Division is under the direction of SHERRIE SWENSEN,
Salt Lake County Clerk. Ms. Swensen believes in the fundamental right of all citizens to vote and encourages voter participation by making the process as easy and accessible as possible.
Her primary goal is to help bring about a greater understanding of, and participation in, the electoral process.
