Estimated read time: 1-2 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 Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information.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.
DUCHESNE COUNTY — It's just eleven days until Utahns head to the polls.
Unless they live in Duchesne County.
The county has eliminated all of its polling places, but the move has actually increased voter turnout. Statewide, the numbers for early voter returns stands at about 20 to 30 percent. But in Duchesne County, the number is significantly higher. Officials say it's because of their decision to switch entirely to a mail-in ballot.
"I love this type of return," said Duchesne County Chief Deputy Clerk JoAnn Evans. "Right now we are at 42 percent, and we still have 11 days to go. I'm expecting we'll have 70 to 75 percent on this election."
That's up from 58 percent for the 2008 Presidential Election. The county eliminated polling places to try to increase voter turnout after it was divided up into three Utah House districts this year.
Right now we are at 42 percent, and we still have 11 days to go. I'm expecting we'll have 70 to 75 percent on this election.
–JoAnn Evans, Duchesne County Chief Deputy Clerk
"The more votes we have to go toward the specific person that could represent Duchesne County for our betterment, the better off we are to get them in office," Evans said.
While most people haven't objected to the change, not everyone is a fan.
"(I fear it) might be lost in the mail," said Duchesne County voter Don Sawyers. "If I go to a voting booth, I know it's going to be counted."
Evans said that concern and others like it are easily addressed.
"They can call us at any time and ask if it's been returned to us," Evans said.
