Election Official Reports 22% Voter Turnout and Provisional Ballot Issues

In a recent meeting held at Ogden City Hall, the Board of Canvassers reviewed the results of the latest election, revealing a turnout of only 22%. While this figure marked an improvement from the initial weeks, where participation hovered around a mere 6%, the overall response left some officials feeling disheartened. “I was happy to see more return, but I’m discouraged by the 78% of people who did not vote in our community,” one board member expressed, emphasizing the need for greater civic engagement.

The meeting highlighted the challenges faced during the election process. A total of nine provisional ballots were cast, with five ultimately counted. The reasons for the rejection of the remaining ballots included insufficient identification and incomplete forms. Additionally, four ballots were returned but not counted due to being submitted past the new state deadline, which requires ballots to be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day—postmarks no longer suffice.

The board also addressed issues with signature mismatches and unsigned ballots, noting that voters are informed of any problems with their submissions and given the chance to rectify them. “The county gives each person whose ballot is rejected the opportunity to come and fix that,” a board member explained, underscoring the commitment to ensuring every vote counts.

Despite the hurdles, the meeting concluded with a call to certify the election results, alongside an acknowledgment of the candidates who participated in the electoral process. The board expressed gratitude for the support of the Ogden Police Department, who assisted in ballot collection for the first time, ensuring the safety of election workers.

As the community reflects on these results, the hope remains that increased awareness and outreach will inspire more residents to participate in future elections, fostering a stronger democratic process in Ogden City.