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SALT LAKE CITY -- We're down to the last push for candidates before the election Tuesday.
Candidates know that most have probably already made up their minds, but they are still campaigning, with events like honk-and-waves.
In the hours before Election Day, Democrat Jim Matheson is waving to get voters' attention. Even though he's leading in the latest Dan Jones poll, he knows opponent Republican Morgan Philpot has gained in recent weeks.
In American Fork, Philpot spent part of the last full campaign day on the phone, courting one voter at a time. It's the crucial crunch time for all the candidates.
For Democrat Peter Corroon, who is down in the Jones poll by 25 percent, turnout is crucial. To get out the vote, Corroon and Republican running mate Sheryl Allen have put 2,400 miles on the "Bi-Partisan Express."
"We're getting out there and doing honk-and-waves, meeting with individuals, meeting with groups, driving around in the bus, talking to people," Corroon said.
Gov. Gary Herbert campaigned at the Davis School of Applied Technology. Despite his big lead, he stressed that he's taking nothing for granted.
"Our volunteers are out on honk-and-waves, passing out fliers, brochures; we still have ads up, radio and television. So we're working hard to get the vote out and make sure our message resonates with the people," he said.
This year, turnout is expected to be high, as much as 60 percent of all registered voters, according to the state election director. And more people are voting early.
The Lieutenant Governor's Office says about 12 percent of all registered voters have already cast a ballot. Pollster Randy Shumway says it is unlikely to affect overall turnout.
"I would say that represents people who have discovered that they can vote on their schedule. There's research that early voting does not increase the actual number of eventual voters," he said.
If you haven't voted yet, Tuesday's your last chance, and the candidates want to get your attention. Polls are open starting at 7:00 Tuesday morning.
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Story compiled with contributions from Richard Piatt and Marc Giauque.
