Raise Your Voice and Vote in 2020!

by Maddie, Main Branch 

Tuesday November 3rd is Election Day! Whether you turn 18 this year or have been eligible to vote for a few years, here’s your guide to Election Day 2020!

More than just the President...
In addition to voting for President of the United States, here are just a few of the many seats you’ll see on the Salt Lake County ballot this year: Utah Governor, US House of Representatives, Utah Attorney General, State Senators, State House Representatives, School Board, County Mayor, Judges, and more! 

Step One: Register!
In order to vote, whether by mail or in person, everyone needs to register. You qualify to vote if you:

• Are a citizen of the United States
• Reside in Utah
• Are at least 18 years old on or before the next election. Note: A 17-year old can vote if they will be 18 years old by November 3, 2020.

There are several ways you can register to vote:

• Online by October 23:
  • Complete the online form at the Online Voter Registration Website. In order to register online, you must have a current Utah Driver's License or ID Card. 

• By Mail by October 3: 
  • Print out the form at the Mail-in Voter Registration website and send it to the address listed on the form.
• In-Person by October 23: 
  • Register in person at the Salt Lake County Election Division, 2001 South State Street, S1-200, Salt Lake City. The office is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
• Same Day: 
  • Due to COVID-10, there will be no same day voter registration this year.
• Not sure if you’re already registered? 
  • Find out here.
• Need a Utah ID or Driver’s License? 
  • Find info here (o aquí en español)

Step Two: Educate Yourself!
There are a lot of options on the ballot and you have a right to educate yourself and make informed decisions. 

• Find a list of local and state candidates here.
• Check out candidates on social media.
• Talk to your friends and family about what’s on the ballot.
• Write down a list of what issues are important to you and see which candidates are most aligned with your values.

Step Three: Vote!

• By Mail: 
  • In Utah, every registered voter is sent a ballot in the mail the week of October 12 and prepaid return envelopes for Vote by Mail Elections. Ballots come with a prepaid envelope, so you can fill out the ballot and send it back in the mail. 
  • Ballots may also be returned to any early voting location, any Vote Center, and any ballot drop box like the one pictured below, located at the Main Salt Lake City Public Library! If you choose to mail in your ballot, it needs to arrive by November 3rd, so send it out at least 2 weeks before if possible. This ensures that it makes it in time. 
  • If you are dropping off a mail-in ballot to any other locations like a voting center, early voting location, or ballot drop box, this can be done anytime, including on Election Day.

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• In Person: 
  • Early Voting takes place from October 28 - November 2. Election Day voting is on November 3. There can be long lines on November 3rd, so, if you can, try to vote early. 
  • If you didn’t get a ballot or lost it, you can go to any vote center in Salt Lake County on voting day. By state law you must have an ID.  This is either a form of ID that has your name and photo or two forms of ID that have your name and proof of residence. 
  • You can also take your blank ballot with you to an early voting location or Election Day Vote Center. Give your un-voted, unsigned ballot and envelope to Voter Center staff. You will be allowed to vote on the electronic voting machine.
  • Find out where you can vote here.​

​CONGRATS! YOU VOTED! 

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