Roughly one out of 10 registered voters -- or fewer -- is expected to turn out for Tuesday's off-year election, based on past experience, says Utah's new chief elections officer.
While city races may lack the hype that generally drives voters to the polls for state and federal contests, Lt. Gov. Greg Bell believes that hometown votes affect folks right where they live.
"Tomorrow is a very important election that will make a terrific difference at the local level," Bell told the small group gathered Monday at a Capitol Hill news conference.
"I recently met with a delegation of young people from China, leaders in their country who asked about our democratic system," Bell said. "They were astonished to know that we have such a low turnout and asked why."
"I was not able to give them a good answer," said Bell, a former Farmington city councilman and mayor who won a state Senate seat in 2002, then got tapped this August by Gov. Gary Herbert to take the state's No. 2 spot.
Bell on Monday reminded voters that, due to new state law, they will need to show valid identification at the polls.
A current driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, tribal ID card or Utah concealed-carry permit will work, Bell said.
Someone can also bring two of the following: Social Security card, utility bill, hunting or fishing license, school transcript or pay stub.
Without proper ID, people can cast provisional ballots and then produce the appropriate paperwork within five days to have their vote counted.
State ID cards can be obtained at any Department of Motor Vehicles office, Bell added.
Online information about where to vote, who's running and what propositions are pending at the local level can be found online at www.leaveyourprint.com.
