Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Too many election years voter apathy seems to rule the day. This year, no matter who you back, the voter's voices will be heard in great numbers.
One of the biggest sensations of the election season across the country is early voting.
There are long lines in Sandy. "There's been lines pretty much out to the sidewalk and beyond since we opened up," Sandy poll worker Amy Gustin said.
And there are packed halls in Holladay. "We're doing everything we can to move people as quickly as we can," said Holladay poll worker Dave Sanders.
This week, voting easily ranks as one of Utah's top activities. Nearly a quarter million people have already left their print.
Chip Carter, one of those who chose to vote early, said, "I think they all have the same idea: They want to avoid the big rush Tuesday. Maybe this is going to be as big a rush as Tuesday, I don't know."
But voters are in good moods, willing to wait an hour. "I hear it's like a Disneyland line once we get in there. We have a lot of switchbacks to go ... it's not a problem," voter Bob Commander said.
More than an hour before the polls closed tonight, the lieutenant governor's office told us more than 225,000 Utahns had already cast their ballots, and more than 45,000 absentee ballots are already in.
Only 70,000 people voted early in the midterm elections two years ago -- the first opportunity for early voting.
"It's moving fairly quickly. We have 14 voting machines. The biggest slowdown is for people to actually vote on the machines," Sanders said.
In Salt Lake County alone, more than 73,000 have voted early. In 2006, fewer than 28,000 voted early.
By Election Day, the Salt Lake County Clerk expects 80 percent turnout of registered voters.
Back outside, people stay patient in line. "I saw on CNN a three-and-a-half hour wait in Florida. I figure this is nothing compared to that," voter Deanna Williams said.
Early voting ends at 5 p.m. Friday. But, of course, you can always still vote Tuesday.
For a list of early voting locations, click the related links to the right of the story.
E-mail: jboal@ksl.com
