State poll workers prepare for early voting, need more volunteers


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SALT LAKE CITY — Citizens around the state can begin early voting on Oct. 23. And county workers in Salt Lake County are helping people get a head start with their paperwork so voters won't have to stand in long lines when they go to vote.

Long lines are exactly what state election officials do not want to see this year. Over 369,000 people voted in Salt Lake County in the 2008 general election, which is 71.5 percent of the population. But state workers are expecting more that that this year.

Hotly contested races in the state are adding to the anticipation of long lines and greater voter turnout.

"We have the governors race, senate race, and of course there's the congressional race down in Utah County," said Mark Thomas, director of elections in the Lt. Governor's Office. "But of course, the presidential race is one that everyone's watching."

Important dates to remember:
Registration deadlines:
  • By mail: postmarked by Oct. 9
  • In-person & online: Oct. 22

Absentee voting:
  • Miltary and overseas ballots: Sept. 22
  • Mail-in ballots: Oct. 9
  • All absentee ballots: November 2

Early voting:
  • Begins: Oct. 23
  • Ends: Nov. 2
  • Click HERE to see your early voting location

General Election Day:
  • November 6, 2012
  • Polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

"After people get off work between 5 and 8 p.m. tends to be our very busiest time on Election Day," Salt Lake County clerk Sherrie Swensen said.

To meet these needs, Swensen said the county has 20 early voting locations opening, which is four more than in 2008. The county is attempting to bring on approximately 2000 poll workers who will go through a two-hour training. The county is currently 200 short and are looking for more volunteers.

"We staff the polls due to the population of registered voters regardless of who shows up," Swensen said.

Salt Lake County is also required to have bilingual poll workers to serve the growing hispanic population.

Registered voters who can assist as a poll worker on Election Day can sign up at: clerk.slco.org/elections/votingInfo/votePollWorker.html, or call 385-GOT-VOTE (385-468-8683). Compensation is provided.

"I feel it's a very important election, too, just because there's so many strong views this time around," said Brittany Waymire, an early voter.

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