After Utah County presented this year's ballot — including federal and local candidates, judicial retention and initiatives — resources made by committees and nonprofits help voters navigate the ballot and ensure they are informed.
On Election Day, Nov. 5, citizens nationwide will have the opportunity to cast their ballots. While the presidential election tends to take center stage, the value of weighing in on local matters can not be iterated enough.
Tricia Schuetzler, administrative assistant of BYU’s Office of Civic Engagement, expressed her belief the Church's encouragement to be politically involved should motivate students to engage with issues that matter to them.
“We have heard stories of students not wanting to be involved because the political realm can be very contentious,” Schuetzler said. “Our Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has encouraged everyone to go out and vote. Every voice matters, especially in local issues.”
In addition to the presidential and vice presidential candidates, this year’s Utah County ballot has elections for U.S. senator and representative, seven statewide elections, five county elections, 10 judicial retention questions and four constitutional referenda. There are several resources available for voters.
Elizabeth Hutchings is the communications director of Better Utah Institute, a nonpartisan nonprofit centered on educating Utahns on “issues of public concern" and encouraging civic engagement. Hutchings gave a few tips on how students can make informed voting decisions, whether they be long-time residents, first-time voters or new to the political dynamics in Utah.
“To be informed on local county and statewide officials, look at the local newspaper and the best way to be informed on candidates would be the ballot guides that these newspapers put out,” Hutchings said.
Similar to Better Utah Institute, there are several other third-party organizations that analyze and compile voter information. One organization for judicial reappointments is the Utah Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission.
Madison Klein, the commission's senior business analyst, explained four main points to look at when evaluating judges’ performance:
1. Survey respondents recommending a judge’s retention
2. Courtroom observation reports
3. Performance scores comparing candidates to other judges and a minimum standard
4. A summary of the collected data
“Utah appoints judges based on their merit and qualifications for the position. Political party affiliation is not part of the appointment process or considered during their performance evaluations," Klein said. "Instead, judges are evaluated on their skills and neutrality while serving on the bench."
When reviewing the different candidates, judges and issues on the ballot, Hutchings advised students to focus on their values and use that as a starting point.
“Voting in line with your values is a great start,” Hutchings said. “If you have, you’re passionate about an issue, look at the nonprofits and organizations engaged with those issues, and follow them to became more engaged yourself, not just for election season, but throughout the year.”
To access nonpartisan information for this year’s election, consider looking at Better Utah Institute's ballot guide, which links to news articles about candidates and topical issues. To learn more about judicial retentions and the rulings of the judges on the ballot, consider looking at the judicial commission's database of information about the judges on this year’s ballot.
To see what will be on a ballot before heading to the polls, visit vote.utah.gov.
Same-day registration in Utah will be open on Election Day, Nov. 5, for those who have not yet registered.