Utah has historically had some of the worst voter turnout in the country, hovering around 20 percent of all eligible voters. In the four years between 2011 and 2015, however, officials have managed to nearly double that number, with one very easy step: Switching municipalities over to a vote by mail ballot, which allows voters to fill out and return ballots at leisure rather than having to go to the polls. A study put out this month by the Utah Foundation says that in combination with voter education and outreach, extended poll hours, and early voting, the state — which traditionally skews young — could play a much more active role in democracy. This isn’t just about Utah, though, as the findings corroborate those in other states where vote by mail has radically increased voter participation. With a critical election year coming up, getting more voters out on Election Day is especially critical.
View Article
