Doing the right thing, they approved early voting.

I voted early on Tuesday, the first day it was allowed. I must say, the machines are great. And I moved through the process rather easily. But for those who don't use computers or are not adept with them, the new video machines could be challenging.

First, you have to place a magnetic card — given to you by the voting judge — into the machine to get it going. That itself could be a problem for the more clumsy among us.

Then you have to touch-screen vote. After picking candidates, you have to first punch the screen to "print" a hard copy of your vote, then punch again to "cast" your ballot and finish up.

Expect a lot of voters to have to ask polling judges questions to get through the machine voting the first time. But after getting to know the process through the primary and general elections this year, early voting and the new voting machines should be a real boon for Utah and other states.

Who knows if we ever will have voting from home over the Internet — probably the most convenient way to vote.

But early voting and the new video machines, once they become part of our citizen duty of voting, should make voting easier and quicker. Call your local county clerk to find out where early voting is taking place and give both a try.

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Deseret Morning News political editor Bob Bernick Jr. may be reached by e-mail at bbjr@desnews.com