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 Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information.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.
Richard Piatt ReportingIt is Primary election day in Utah, and it could be a day where current office holders are in some close races.
There are several races--mostly Republicans--who are facing serious challenges today. But for voters, the big story is the new voting machines; it's the first time Utah is using computers to cast a ballot.
The Lieutenent Governor Gary Herbert, the man in charge of elections for the state, cast a ballot to show how easy it is. In fact, most people who are voting today are excited about the new machines. Very few problems have been reported. Some are even saying it's a 'fun' experience.
Herbert voted in Utah County, a place where there are several close races, including the race for the Third Congressional District. One election official in Orem says it's brought a lot of people out to vote.
Jim Heath, Orem Poll Watcher: "I think in our district people are coming to vote because they feel strongly to express themselves, as far as the issues and candidates are concerned."
In Salt Lake County, voter turnout has been extremely low. One report puts it at around seven percent.
This morning, Congressman Chris Cannon escorted his wife, to vote for him, we assume. Cannon himself voted earlier.
In Eagle Mountain, the man hoping to upset Cannon also cast a ballot. John Jacob says he feels confident he will win the right to run against Democrat Chrisitian Burridge in November.
There's been a lot of talk about immigration in that race. But in each of the close races the common thread is a challenger taking on the incumbent because they say it's time for a change.
Today the polls are open from 7 am until 8 pm. To find your polling location, contact your county clerk.