Mail-in ballots are here ahead of special election on Nov. 21
Oct 31, 2023, 10:00 PM
Jona Curry drops off her ballot during Utah's municipal and primary elections, which includes the 2nd Congressional District special primary, at the Salt Lake County Government Center in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
(Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Mail-in ballots are being sent out this week all over Utah so voters can send them in before the special election on Nov. 21.
Ballots were sent out later because of the special election to fill former Rep. Chris Stewart’s seat. Stewart announced he would resign in May over concerns about his wife’s health. That’s when having a special election was brought up.
Stewart officially resigned on Sep. 15, 2023 and Utah’s House voted to change the municipal election dates in June. The seat represents Utah’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The general election will now be held on Nov. 21, just two days before Thanksgiving, instead of two weeks earlier on the first Tuesday of November.
There are currently seven candidates vying for Stewart’s seat in the House. Whoever is elected to replace him will serve out the remainder of his term. You can learn more about the candidates here.
Since the election is so close to a holiday, there are concerns it will hurt voter turnout. However, it seems turnout this year will be unpredictable. While election day is close to a holiday, it also includes the high-stakes special election. Mail-in ballots are also a big help in increasing voter turnout.
Municipal elections are also being held on Nov. 21. That includes the race for Salt Lake City Mayor and Ogden City Mayor.
