Clearly, the main thing to do on November 7 is vote. Voting is very important but can often be a confusing process. Here is a brief guide designed to answer some common election day questions.
When do I vote?
The general election is Tuesday, November 7, 2006.
The polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. You have the right to cast a vote if you are in line at the time the polls close. (Utah Code ß 20A-1-302)
If you are scheduled to work on Election Day, your employer must allow you to leave your workplace for up to two hours in order to vote. You must ask for this leave before Election Day and your employer may not deduct from your usual salary or wage because of your absence. (Utah Code ß 20A-3-103)
Voters may also vote during the early voting period, which will take place between Tuesday, October 24 and Friday, November 3. (Utah Code ß 20A-3-601) Contact your county clerk to find out times and locations for early voting.
Where do I vote?
After the Office of the County Clerk processes your application for voter registration, they will send you a voter registration card that will tell you where to vote. If you do not receive this card or lose it before Election Day, contact your county clerk to find out where you can vote and to request a replacement card.
County clerks determine where polling places will be located. In addition to various government buildings, polling places can include private facilities, such as churches and private homes. All polling places must meet the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
What must I bring with me when I vote?
If you are voting for the first time in the jurisdiction and you did not provide valid voter identification when you registered to vote, you will be required to present proof of identity or proof of residence. (Utah Code ß 20A-3-104) If you did not bring proper identification or proof of residency, you will be issued a provisional ballot.
Election judges can request identification if they do not know you and have reason to doubt your identity. (Utah Code ß 20A-3-104) If this is the case and you did not bring identification, you will be issued a provisional ballot.
If you are voting during the early voting period or are voting in person by absentee ballot, then you must bring valid voter identification. (Utah Code ß 20A-3-104)
Valid voter identification is either a valid form of photo identification that shows your name, photograph, and current address; or two different forms of identification that show your name and current address. (Utah Code ß 20A-1-102) Contact the State of Utah Elections Office or your county clerk for a complete list of what qualifies as valid voter identification.
How do I handle the most common problems?
If a poll worker tells you that you are not on the list of registered voters but you believe that you should be because you submitted a registration form before the deadline, first ask him or her to check the list again. If that fails, show the poll worker your voter registration card or some other form of identification. By law, you will be permitted to vote with a provisional ballot even if the poll worker cannot confirm your registration. (Utah Code ß 20A-3-105.5) The provisional ballot will NOT count unless it is later determined that you are eligible to vote and that you voted the provisional ballot in the correct precinct. (Utah Code ß 20A-4-107)
If you need instructions on how to use the voting equipment in your precinct, ask a poll worker for help. You have the right to receive instructions. (Utah Code ß 20A-3-109)
If you need assistance because you are disabled, unable to read, or speak a language other than English, you may be accompanied into the voting booth by a person of your choice who may assist you in voting (as long as that person is not your employer, an agent of your employer, a representative of your union, or a political candidate). (Utah Code ß 20A-3-108)
How can I minimize potential problems on Election Day?
Call your county clerk to double-check your registration status and polling place at least 15 days before Election Day.
Bring your voter registration card and a photo ID to the polls. This may not be necessary to vote but can be helpful if anyone challenges your eligibility.
Vote early in the day.
Read all instructions carefully.
Take your time in the voting booth. You have up to ten minutes to cast your ballot. (Utah Code ß 20A-3-105)
If you are scheduled to work on Election Day, ask for time off to vote in advance.
Become as familiar as possible with the new electronic voting equipment that will be used statewide for the first time this November. The Salt Lake County Clerk's Office has good information about the equipment online at http://www.clerk.slco.org/elections/html/votingequip_inst.htm. The State of Utah also has an online demonstration of the electronic voting equipment at http://www.leaveyourprint.com. Also, you can contact your county's Office of the County Clerk to find out if they will let you try one of the new electronic voting machines before Election Day.
Useful phone numbers
Utah State Elections Division: (801) 538-1041 or (800) 995-VOTE
U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Voting Section: (800) 253-3931
ACLU of Utah: (801) 521-9862 ext 104