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In anticipation of a record number of voters, polls across the state are opening early.
Early voting doesn't officially start until Oct. 21, but because of overwhelming demand from voters, the polls opened a week ahead of schedule.
While most of the early voting polls open today, the Salt Lake County Clerk's Office actually opened polls a week ago because so many people were asking to cast their ballots early. In Salt Lake County, nearly 1,900 people have voted since last week. About 360 people voted yesterday alone.
Salt Lake County Clerk Sherrie Swensen says during the last presidential election, 74 percent of registered voters went to the polls. She expects that number to be well over 80 percent this year. "There is much more interest this year than in even 2006. So we're forecasting a larger percentage turnout, I think more individuals voting than I have seen in the past," she said.
Several people who showed up at the county clerk's office today for reasons other than voting took advantage of the open polls.
Vicki Worthen said, "We actually came to change our address, and they said we could vote, which was wonderful."
Ron Hale also cast his ballot today. "I had to come down here to get some travel arrangements made, so I'll go ahead and get it done," he said.
The polls at the Salt Lake County Clerk's Office will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Then starting on Oct. 21, 15 other satellite locations will open. Swensen says those locations are open to any voter, regardless of his or her home precinct.
No identification is required for those who are 65 or older or who are disabled.
NW Multipurpose Center - 1300 W 300 N, SLC
Murray City Hall - 5025 S State St, Murray
Holladay City Hall - 4580 S 2300 E, Holladay
Kearns Improvement District - 5350 W 5400 S, Kearns
Taylorsville City Hall - 2600 W Taylorsville Blvd (5330 S), Taylorsville
University of Utah Olpin Union Building - 200 S Central Campus Dr, SLC
Sandy Fire Station #35 - 8186 S 1300 E, Sandy
Sandy City Hall - 10000 S Centennial Pkwy (170 W), Sandy
Gale History Center - 10300 S Beckstead Ln (1600 W), SJ
Draper City Hall - 1020 E Pioneer Rd (12425 S), Draper
West Valley City Hall - 3600 S Constitution Blvd (2700 W), WVC
Riverton City Hall - 12830 S 1700 W, Riverton
Midvale City Hall - 655 W Center St (7720 S), Midvale
WJ Fire Station #53 - 7602 S Jordan Landing Blvd (3900 W), WJ
Magna Chamber of Commerce - 9145 W 2700 S, Magna
You can get more information at the link on this page, or by calling GOT-VOTE (468-8683).
E-mail: spark@ksl.com
