Share
Voting
Who May Vote?
Registration
Voting Districts
Absentee Voting
More Election Resources: Election Process - Voting Rights - Kids Vote
Citizens of democratic countries consider voting one of their chief rights because it allows them to choose who will govern them. People vote on many issues besides elections for public officials. For example, they may vote on whether to build a school, expand the police force, or impose a tax.
In Utah to register and vote you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of the United States
- Be a resident of Utah at least 30 days before the next election
- Be at least 18 years old by Election Day
Not too long ago only white, male, property owners could vote in America. Go to the History of Voting Rights section to learn how voting laws changed over the last 225 years.
Registration is the process by which a person's name is added to the list of qualified voters. On election day, officials check each person's name against the list before they let the person vote. According to the League of Women Voters of Utah web site, Utahns can register to vote:
The election office will notify applicants when their application has been approved and where to vote. In Utah you must register 20 days before the general election. Contact the appropriate Utah County Clerk Office with specific registration questions.
In the United States, each county, township, or ward of a state is divided into voting districts called precincts. Citizens may vote only at the polling place in the precinct in which they live. Visit the Registered Voter Lookup web page to find the address of your polling place.
All registered voters can submit an absentee ballot application if they would like to vote by mail. To become a permanent absentee voter, check "Yes" in the permanent absentee section of the application.