Comments about ‘Utah next to last in voter turnout’

This is the reason that there are 60% Mormon population, over 80% Mormon legislators. Wake up people! VOTE!

Personally I think it's because this last election we were one of the very FEW STATES ACORN hadn't had an impact on VOTER FRAUD! That is my take on it, that is why this was also a McCain State. So when this country goes to pot in the next few years, WE ARE OFF THE HOOK, we didn't vote for him!

Whether people of Utah vote or not is immaterial to government in Utah. We have witnessed to corruption and fraud in the government in Utah because they don't have the required documentation to tell these mormons getting elected in to government what morality and ethics are. It's not the voters who are the problem, it's those getting elected who are corrupted and have many times overturned voter demands. How many laws and ballot issues voted on have been dismissed and called wrong and overturned by government? Too many to count.

Voters in Utah don't have a voice, and how can we fight corruption when the corruption and greed are in control? I know many people who don't vote and their reason is just, it doesn't make a difference. The same corruption, greed, plans, and policies remain in place regardless of voter choices. We can't force our legislators to listen or can we get rid of them in a timely manner, like immediately.

"Wake up people! VOTE!" This is really
patronizing.

Non-voters are doing us a favor. Obviously they don't care about the way the country is being run and I'd rather they not vote at all since they aren't likely to make any kind of informed decision. Rather than encouraged anyone that can make a mark on a piece of paper to vote we should require a civics test prior to voting, and it should be in English. I think it also might be a good idea to give the test to any prospective politicians.

A major reason many Utahns don't vote is because the elections are rigged ... so why vote?

However, if Utahns want an electoral system that has proven to result in higher voter turnout, and a closer fit between voter preferences and election outcomes, visit FairVote: The Center for Voting and Democracy online.

Incumbent politicians will not do the right thing here, so it will be necessary for citizens to use the initiative process and also vote out incumbents.

the donkey would win and they live the song of heeeeeeee hhhhaaaaawwwwww with all the trimmings!

Utah should be ashamed of itself. They wave the flag, but the patriotism stops there. They have lower percentages of participation in the military, they support and pray for only a Republican President, and so forth. And then the legislature tries to restrict registration and voting which enables the government to be selected by the few. Then they wave the Constitution. What a crock.

This article fails to give us the full story, doesn't it?

It tells us that the Utah numbers were "based on surveys", but doesn't tell us what those surveys were all about or how they were conducted. All that we know is that the U. S. Census Bureau took the surveys; nothing more.

I've met quite a few people who don't vote and most of them have few clues as to who is running for office, what they stand for and what their record is. We're better off without their votes because they are the ones who get all of their political information from their uncle Billy Bob or from a bunch of drunk guys sitting around a backyard barbecue.

They don't vote because the state Republican party is corrupt and run by oligarchs AND because the national Democratic party is pro-abortion.

The story here seems to present shocking numbers, but a careful reading tells a different story. 53.1 % of U.S. Citizens voted, but that is out of 56.8 % of Citizens that bothered to register to vote. Do the math and Utah actually has over 95% participation by registered voters.

Contrary to Ms. Swensons claims, it is ridiculously easy to register to vote for anyone who cares to. The fact that we are not simply handing out ballots to anyone wandering through the streets is a good thing. Participation in the election process requires at least a small amount of attention to the process, and if someone can't even be bothered to register, they haven't passed the first basic test for participation.

Voter turnout is easy to calculate: Votes Cast / Registered Voters. Under this formula, Utah had nearly 70% turnout last election, 73% the time before.

...is like voting in Red China, Cuba or the former Soviet Union. One party competely dominates the entire election.

There is no debate.
A vote is merely saying Amen to what the Republican Party has already decided for you.

Utah is the Redest State in the Union.

What is voting was Mandatory for all adult citizens 18 years or older? Do you think we would get the same reults we see year after year, or would we finally get a picture of what the real Utah looks like?

First, it is not that hard to register to vote. One would not want it any easier. It would only breed more corruption.

Second, Utahans didn't really have great choices in the presidential race. Most didn't want Obama and McCain was not conservative enough on many issues. So why vote?

Third, way to many people I talk to don't seem to have an idea of what is in the news, the issues, or even what the politicians stand for. With that type of ignorance why would we want them to vote?

By your logic, we are on the hook for the current mess because our electoral votes went to Bush in both 2000 and 2004.

Also, I think you give ACORN too much credit.

I was very glad I was registered to vote and voted. Those who don't vote have no business complaining about government. I voted and therefore have legitimacy when I complain.

"It's not the voters who are the problem, it's those getting elected who are corrupted"

I think it is important that we, the voters and potential voters, take the responsibility. We need to elect people who aren't/won't be corrupted. Personally I think many of our elected officials are doing a good job. There are many opportunities to get involved with the decision-making process, particularly at a local level.

Voting is just one way to have a voice in our government.

why would we vote when we already know the outcome..All the sheep are voting Republican. GWB could have got us into 10 wars and they would still be voting for him here in Utah!.