S.L. church replaces zoo as polling location

Hogle Zoo will not be playing host to voters on Election Day after all.

The polling location raised eyebrows on the Salt Lake County Council, whose members voiced concerns last week about the choice in light of the $33 million bond the zoo is hoping voters will approve Nov. 4.

Salt Lake County Clerk Sherrie Swensen said Thursday that a prolonged search for an alternate venue on Salt Lake City's east side ended when the Second Church of Christ agreed to host voters next month. Swensen said some modifications will be made to meet accessibility requirements but was relieved to alleviate the "atmosphere" that came with the Hogle Zoo spot.

"We're very happy to find a location that doesn't create any perceptions of bias," Swensen said. "We looked at a lot of places ... a mortuary, This Is the Place monument, an empty retail store, an apartment building. ... We're grateful the church agreed to help us out."

The new location at 1165 S. Foothill Drive, will accommodate about 1,400 voters from precincts 2608 and 2614.

— Arthur Raymond