Bad weather won’t stop people from voting on Election Day

Editor’s note: This story has been edited to correct the time polls close in Utah. A previous version incorrectly stated polls close at 5 p.m.

SALT LAKE CITY — While cold and rainy weather won’t stop people from voting on Election Day, it may change their timing. 

Former Utah County Clerk Josh Daniels said Election Day weather usually affects voter turnout, but not the way you may think.

“Most people are willing to brave small weather interruptions to still get out to the polls. But what might happen is it will delay when people choose to show up to the polls,” he said.

Daniels said cold or rainy weather may have delayed people’s plans to vote Tuesday morning.

“If you wake up and the roads are slick and traffic is backed up because of an accident or two, all of a sudden you don’t have those extra 20-30 minutes on your way to work to pop in [and] vote.”

So if people who were planning to hit the polls in the morning weren’t able to, they’ll have to vote later in the day.

That might cause longer lines in the afternoon and evening, Daniels said.

Utahns can register to vote at the polls on Tuesday. Utah polls close at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

For information on polling locations or other voting questions, visit Utah’s voter information website.

Related:

• Candidate buttons and T-shirts are not allowed near polling locations
• Need a ride to the polls on Election Day? Here are some resources in Utah