Clerk
The 2025 Legislative Session introduced some changes to election law that will affect how you vote.
Below is a quick overview of the changes, what they mean for you, and when they take affect:
Ballots must now be in the possession of the Clerk's Office by 8:00 P.M. on Election Day - postmarks no longer count.
If you're mailing your ballot, send it early to make sure it arrives on time. You can also drop it off at a drop box until 8:00 P.M. on Election Day.
This change is already in effect and applies to all elections moving forward.
Starting in 2029, ballots will no longer be automatically mailed to every voter. You'll have to opt in to vote by mail to keep receiving a ballot in the mail after 2029.
You'll have to tell us how you want to vote - by mail or in person. If you choose to vote by mail, we'll keep that preference for 8 years. After that, you'll need to opt in again.
We'll start sending notices to opt-in in 2026. You'll have to make a decision by 2029 to keep receiving your ballot by mail.
You'll need to include the last four digits of your Utah Driver License, State ID, or Social Security Number on your ballot envelope starting next year.
Starting in 2026, there will be a space for you to write this four digit number on your return envelope. If it's missing, we can still verify your ballot with your signature until 2029.
After January 1, 2029, we will only verify ballots with valid ID numbers.
If you don't have a Utah Driver License, State ID, or Social Security Number, you can also include a photocopy of another valid ID in your ballot envelope.
Ballot envelopes will have the new space for the four numbers starting in 2026.
Signatures will not be verified starting January 1, 2029. Ballots must include the last 4 digits of your valid ID in all 2029 elections.
Hospitalized voters who are unable to vote in person or don't have access to their by-mail ballot can authorize someone to pick up an emergency ballot for them from our office.
If you qualify, someone you trust can pick up a ballot and return it to our office on your behalf. This person must show ID, fill out a form at the election office, and confirm they won't interfere with your vote. You still must be able to fill out and sign your ballot on your own - nobody else can vote your ballot for you.
Those who qualify may include registered voters who are:
These rules are already in effect and apply to all elections moving forward.
For more information about emergency ballots or to see if you qualify, please contact our office.
Ballots must be received by our office by 8:00 P.M. on Election Day, regardless of when they were mailed (postmarks don’t count!).
Mail your ballot early, use a secure ballot drop box, or drop it off at an Election Day Vote Center.
Ballot postmarks no longer count. All ballots received by the Salt Lake County Clerk’s Office after 8:00 P.M. on Election Day will be marked late and can not be counted.
Yes, ballots can be returned in-person to a ballot drop box or Election Day Vote Center until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
Yes, starting January 1, 2029, you must opt in to continue receiving a ballot by mail.
Until 2029, all voters will continue to receive their ballot by mail. Before then, you can opt in:
No, once you opt in, your choice stays the same.
After 8 years, you’ll have to choose to opt in again to keep getting your ballot in the mail, just like renewing your driver license.
However, if you miss voting in two general elections in a row, you will have to opt in again.
You will not receive a ballot by mail and will need to vote in person or request a ballot by that election’s deadline.
Yes, it will include an option to opt in for by-mail ballots.
Yes, opting in to receive a by-mail ballot doesn’t stop you from voting in-person.
Starting in 2026, you must provide the last four digits of your Utah Driver License, State ID, or social security number. You also still need to sign your ballot.
Until 2029, your ballot can still be validated with your signature. Starting in 2029, a valid ID number is required for your vote to count.
The requirement fully takes effect on January 1, 2029 - all elections held after that date will require your ID on the ballot to be counted.
You may qualify for an emergency ballot if you are:
Someone you trust can pick up a ballot for you by: