Deseret News | Reader comments: Voter turnout is down

Reader comments
Voter turnout is down

SteveS | 3:22 p.m. Dec. 15, 2008

What an absolute shame. Not that Obama stood a chance here, but just because McCain was an uninspiring candidate doesn't mean you shouldn't vote at all in what is probably the most important election of the last 30 years.

math | 3:25 p.m. Dec. 15, 2008

Take a Republican candidate that the party in general and Utah in particular is decidedly unexcited about and add a Democratic candidate expected to win by perhaps a landslide and you get an unmotivated Utah electorate.

dan | 6:39 p.m. Dec. 15, 2008

I applaud them for not feeling it necessary to cast the obligatory Republican ballot for McCain. I semi-bucked the trend in Florida as this Republican did turn out, albeit not to vote for McCain. I didn't feel prompted to vote-against Obama either, but the GOP cannot expect to take our votes for granted when they lay up Democrat Lites like McCain.

Comments continue below

Rigged | 1:27 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

Maybe because Utah has realized that the elections nationwide and in this state are rigged.

There are no more 'good' men running for office like Hyrum Smith counseled us to elect.

Obama is a socialist. McCain is the most unprincipled man ever to seek office.

Huntsman is a socialist. Springmeyer was not much better. Schanze lacks maturity.

The State Treasurer is about as big of a scumbag this state has ever seen.

It now costs over 1 billion dollars to win the Presidency. It is closed to all good men. Now we will only have bad men run for office since that is who the Bankers support.

Where do we the voters have to turn when two all powerful parties control the entire electoral process? And the people are caught up bickering amongst each other merely because they have different party affiliation. Rather than rising up and fixing a broken system.

America has stopped being America and people have begun to realize there vote doesn't matter. It is only the illusion of freedom.

"No one is as hopelessly enslaved as the person who thinks he's free."...Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Why bother | 1:34 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

McLame. Liberals finally got something right.

Anonymous | 2:39 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

Corporate greed, deregulation, inferior products, outsourcing of jobs, NAFTA, destroying the living wage and construction unions with immigrants, deregulated health care for the few, Enron, Tom Delay, Iraq, Failure to secure Bin Laden, low wages, lack of affordable higher education, loss of good lifetime jobs with benefits, golden parachutes, destruction of the middle working class, deteriorated infrastructures, increased crimes, cuts to peace office funding, huge massive deficit spending, lack of consideration for our fellow citizens, highest incarceration rates in the world, highest infant mortality rate in developed nations, 19th rated in industrialized health care, 39th in the world, partisan obstructionism, lack of consideration of others who are different, hatred,intolerance. Can we take any more of the republican ways and philosophies? The people have had enough, we want change!!! Maybe a few of the people of Utah afre awakening to the scandalous neocons.

George Claston | 4:56 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

Please!! It's really simple. It Utah why vote when elections are already determined?

Anonymous | 5:36 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

Utah has no place in politics considering so many didn't vote.

Let's face it | 5:50 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

Mormons in Utah were so desperate for a Mormon candidate that when Romney flamed out, they were demoralized.

Duty to Vote | 6:16 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

Even though I was not obliged to vote, I did indeed exercise my right and duty to vote. Have not missed an election since I turned 18...even when I had to get absentee ballots and vote from overseas. Too many of my ancestors were not given the opportunity to cast a ballot. Apathy is not an excuse. Of course, people have the right not to vote, but then, I say, you don't have a "right" to complain about who gets elected.:-)

lost in DC | 6:39 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

Rigged has it right except for his description of the state treasurer. Let's keep an eye on our bond rating over the next couple years, especially compared to other states' ratings. Sorry if you were a Walker fan.

Dems got all excited because BO had as large a percentage of Utah votes as any dem has received since the dems embraced abortion. Had voter turnout in Utah been normal, many more would have vote for McLame and BO's percentage would have been much less.

Anonymous | 7:16 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

There is one simple reason voter turnout was low. Few Utahn's had much interest in voting for Obama, and there was little enthusiasm for McCain. Plus, no one was going to defeat the Governor, and the house seats were also very secure. The only real interest being Jason Chaffetz and his campaign.

I certainly would not draw and grand conclusions from this low voter turnout. Give Obama four years in office, have a Republican presidential candidate run who generates some excitement--and you'll see a high voter turnout.

sheep lost | 7:32 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

Obviously some of the sheep were asleep or in a different field when the time to vote came. I can understand not voting in Utah if you had half a mind and knew the issues and powers that be behind the scenes. You would suffer from such great depression that you would have to move out of state to regain your balance.

No surprise here: some of the sheep forgot to go vote.

Anonymous | 7:40 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

The article cited several good explanations for low voter turnout in Utah

- young population
- non-competitive races
- uninspiring Republican presidential candidate

The last explanation, "lax ethics laws", is just the Deseret News pushing its pet complaint against the legislature. Even if Utah's ethics laws are lax and need reform, this didn't cause Utah's voter turnout to be lower than the rest of the country. If people think Utah politicians are corrupt, they need to live in Illinois, New York, Texas, and Louisiana to find out what corrupt politicians are really like.

It's no wonder | 7:49 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

Utah's voting turnout was low, many potential Utah voters were in California helping with the Prop 8 campaign. It worked, so I guess it was worth it.

DH | 8:08 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

I voted despite the fact that I didn't like either presidential candidate and didn't feel my vote would matter. I voted because it maintains my right to express my opinion of the actions these politician take.

The political world is one of corruption and greed where people participate strictly for themselves and not because they care about the country. The same is true and is already being demonstrated by our President-elect. It's the same old garbage from the other side of the fence.

I wish there could be someone rise up who would really give me something to believe in but I do not believe in those we have currently, at any level.

Jus Sayin | 9:10 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

UtahR voters don't vote because they are Mitt-less.

Rich | 9:19 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

I get sick of hearing that it's my duty to vote. No, it's not. When it becomes absolutely clear that an election is going to be a landslide, my vote means nothing. And not voting does not mean that I lose my right to criticize the actions of the winners. These are facts. I also reserve the right not to vote for people whose political stands I cannot support. I didn't appreciate McCain's pushing of McCain-Feingold, which put too much power in the hands of the liberal press, and I didn't like his ridiculous pathway to citizenship method of dealing with immigration reform, or his Gang of 14 work. I don't want a maverick who would be out there, working against principles I support. And I couldn't vote for Obama, who is for bigger government, higher taxes on producers and for policies that lead us closer to socialism. I couldn't vote for Huntsman, who has sided with environmental extremists on the man-caused global warming myth. But I couldn't vote for his opponent, either. I chose to vote, marking my ballot with alternative candidates who had no chance to win, except for burning fossil fuel to delay another ice age!

Is Utah really all that RED? | 9:24 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

A predominant party is usually infiltrated by the opposing party. Thatï¿½s the case here in Utah. Voters who think their state is in good, conservative hands should think again and get involved.

The Salt Lake County Republican Party is an example. A Democrat posing as a Republican sat next to me at the convention and then delivered my message to her Democratic friend in the legislature. A Reaganesque education resolution was presented and soundly defeated. What?

We have a liberal Governor proposing a state bailout, globalist environmentalism, support for McCain over Romney, and a defender of liberal public school curricula.

Next to California, Utah had the lowest percentage of support for a marriage amendment of all the states that have passed those measures, thanks to Doug Wright and our otherwise fairly decent attorney general.

Some of the Republicans in our State Legislature vote like Democrats. The strongest influence in the State Legislature is the Utah Education Association, a liberal teachers union, controlling about 50% of the legislature.

My precinct shows 150 registered Republicans, 140 registered Democrats, and 545 unaffiliated. It's that 545 that we must activate and who mistakenly think all's well.

Cherilyn Bacon Eagar

It would Be Interesting | 9:47 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

To see what the percentages would have been had the Bush-Wacker & and Slick Dick been on the ballot for re-election. I would bet alot that had that been the case Utah would have yurned out in much larger numbers to re-elect the GREEDY LIARS.

Dan | 9:47 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

This story makes me so sad. Way to go freaking Utahans. And the quote that mentioned that having Mitt would have increased the vote...can we only vote for one of our own? How can we Mormons complain that we're ostracized when we ostracize ourselves? How humiliating.

RE: DH | 9:48 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

I agree with you 100%. Politicians are in it for themselves and to make sure they have a nice comfortable lifestyle when, if ever, they decide to leave office. They make me sick, when you honestly look at what they have done to this country and it's citizens. One way or another their all corrupt to the core.
Read "anonymous" at 2:39 am and you'll see a big reason why the same old, tired political hacks are elected year after year to inflict more pain and damage to this country. As if the democrats are any less corrupt then Republicans.

California Elections | 10:06 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

It is interesting that the most followed election for many Utahans took place in Califorina. Regardless of what your views are of Prop 8 it is down right wrong to be able to donate money to an election you can't vote in. People outside the state of Califorina should not have been able to donate to prop 8. That more than anything needs to be reformed in terms of campaign finance.
And anyone who claims Utah is liberal or not conservation like some comments above are just blind. Utah county is rated the most conservate county over 100,000 in the nation.

Why Vote?? | 10:15 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

It is a sad state of affairs when your vote does not count or is worth the time to vote. In Utah if you get nominated by the Rebublican party you are almost guaranteed to be elected. Utah's Rebublican party is more liberal than any democrat.

I have been a Rebublican for 25 years until this year, I have never been so disgusted and disillusioned by politics in my life. I now am registered as a independent, and will not vote for an incumbent until the political environment shifts and the elected officials stop governing and begin to represent their constituents.

Our elected officials are often only concerned about representing their special interests and those that provide the strongest lobbyist.

HUH? | 10:24 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

Utah is "conservation"?

electoral college | 10:33 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

WE hear that voting is important, but it doesn't really matter. Say 10% or 40% more Utahns had voted. Nothing would be different other than perhaps a local Utah congressional race. Under the electoral college, the plain and simple truth is that your vote doesn't matter.

John | 10:43 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

When I voted, I voted for more than just President of the US. While it is still sad that the governor race was such a joke, there were other races.

I live in Draper and Hughes was sadly re-elected by only 400 votes. Had more people turned out, that could have changed. Sandy had an interesting election, and kicked out an incumbent. Perhaps if people in South Jordan weren't so lazy, we could have gotten rid of our "black baby" incumbent.

And sorry Rich, but if you don't vote, your compliant will be duly noted with a grain of salt. That is a fact. Just because you don't agree, doesn't make it a fact. Voting takes all of 10 minutes.

Unbelievable | 10:49 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

I can't believe how many people in this country think that their Democrats and their Republicans are good for the country. Both parties are corrupt to the core and until YOU realize that simple fact nothing will ever change.
All you people that voted for "change", your dreaming. Although their wasn't much difference between him and McCain.

Re Rigged 1:27 am | 11:29 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

Huh? How is Huntsman a socialist? Just last year, he abolished the progressive tax in UT for a flat tax. That means that wealthy people got a break, not poor people. Where is the distribution of wealth?

Oh, do you mean he's a socialist because he cares about the environment? Phooey. Like it or not, Smog Lake City is becoming an increasingly disgusting place to live in during inversions. I live on South Mountain in Draper and some mornings, when I look out the window, I can't even see into Sandy it's so bad. Caring about mother earth does not make one a socialist. It makes one a compassionate human being.

Or is there another issue I'm missing here? Please educate.

Are You Real | 11:51 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

Califonia Election! Most races in the country are funded from donations from outside the state or county the race is run in. Get A Clue.

Throw out the BUMS | 11:55 a.m. Dec. 16, 2008

Washington is so corrupt that I am totally discussed with what is going on.
We need to put term limits on every office in Washington even the staffers who run from one politician to the other.

Amen!! | 12:21 p.m. Dec. 16, 2008

National Term Limits NOW!!
Politics shouldn't be a career.

Utah's problem | 12:28 p.m. Dec. 16, 2008

Perhaps Utah'sproblem is ignorance of issues and political ideas. Utahans don't understand how other groups think and feel. This is just perpetuated by talk radio. How I wish we had educated, intelligent individuals leading the public discourse! (Yes, I'm pointing at both sides of the political spectrum!)

Another issue is no respect for the democratic process. Utahans prefer to be told what to do rather than find a solution to the problem. If they don't see an immediate solution to the problem, they just refuse to play until someone comes along and solves the problem for them.

Utahs problem | 12:47 p.m. Dec. 16, 2008

Yep, it's all talk radio's fault.
Not the smart people like you.
Oh brother.

sad state | 12:54 p.m. Dec. 16, 2008

as someone that used o live in Utah that left to seek a better life but still likes to occasion the boards here to see whatï¿½s happening in the old world here is what I finally got from this article, I need not worry about the thousands of post on these forums bashing everything and everyone because when push comes to shove and its time to stand up and be counted Utahans stay home.
Staying away simple because you do not like the candidates the two major parties put up is a pathetic excuse, you can cast a vote for a third party candidate or even right in a candidate, they may not get elected but at least you are taking a stand and telling the two big boys that not everyone agrees with them. when you stay hom the take away message is you can be ignored.

natty | 1:24 p.m. Dec. 16, 2008

You are kidding me. By the media reports about Prop. 8 you would have thought us Mormons were out in swarms. Is the media lying? Or did we just show up for the emotional vote and let the wolves take the hen house?? I think we were duped.

get real | 4:28 p.m. Dec. 16, 2008

Utah's vote was down because the sheep were still in the field. If the election had been close, then the sheep would have been rounded up and herded to the polls.

As it stands now, the Mormon Church--big money -- guys won again. So sleep my sheep, big brother has you firmly in his hand.

bUCKLE | 4:42 p.m. Dec. 16, 2008

It's simply sad. If our Mitt isn't in, let's not vote. If our McCain is going to lose, let's not vote. It just shows how disconnected GOP voters are.

The Pathetic Truth | 4:45 p.m. Dec. 16, 2008

Apathy. It is apathy. Why won't people just admit it? Fifty percent of the state just doesn't care. That is the pathetic truth. People don't care about preserving their rights or their freedom; they're content to just do nothing. There will be serious consequences of course.

Re: Pathetic truth | 6:10 p.m. Dec. 16, 2008

It isn't so much apathy as it is cynicism! I never used to be so cynical about politics but I am now due to the constant corruption in our elected officials. I watch them cheat, lie, steal and worry about nothing except getting re-elected. Political corruption, cronyism and being over taxed, over regulated and over ruled has made me very cynical about voting for anyone! I think many others feel the same way! I live in California and I voted for Prop 8 and look what happened! Before the end of next year, it is gaurenteed a court will overturn the will of the people and nulify the election. So why bother voting? The American dream has been stolen by liberals.

Believe in Better | 8:26 a.m. Dec. 17, 2008

Apathy describes the people in the state who just don't care. Cynicism describes the people in the state who are willing to give up and not fight to preserve their rights. Neither is tolerable.

Anonymous | 12:02 p.m. Dec. 17, 2008

For the state that was #1 in its support of George W. Bush in 2004, and was willing to invite Cheney to BYU's commencement, it's been proven that Utahans are too stupid to vote. Please continue the downward trend.

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