As of Friday, Oct. 23, Salt Lake County voters had returned about 77,000 ballots with 11 days until polls close, putting the county's early turnout 1.6 percentage points ahead of the statewide rate.

The county's 9.9% return rate compares with 8.3% statewide, The Salt Lake Tribune reported Saturday, citing figures from Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson. Those numbers reflect only ballots clerks had processed, not every ballot returned.

The higher local turnout comes as Salt Lake County contains a newly redrawn congressional district that the Tribune described as the first reliably blue U.S. House seat Utah has seen in decades. A judge ordered new congressional maps in 2025, and the Cook Political Report rates Utah's other three congressional districts "solid Republican."

Utah had about 1,787,566 active registered voters as of Oct. 19, according to Henderson's office. Statewide, roughly 149,000 ballots had been processed by Friday morning.

Saturday voting, more locations ahead

For Millcreek-area voters who haven't mailed their ballot yet, options are expanding. The Salt Lake County Clerk's Office is offering Saturday early voting for the first time on Oct. 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the south building of the Salt Lake County Government Center, 2001 South State Street in Salt Lake City. Voters can also drop off completed mail ballots during that window.

Because Oct. 31 falls on Halloween, ABC4 reported voters are welcome to celebrate but should leave face-covering costumes at home. Bring valid identification.

Early in-person voting began Oct. 20 at the Government Center. Seven additional locations open Tuesday, Oct. 27.

Ballot security after Millcreek mail theft

The turnout push follows a mail theft in a Millcreek neighborhood that left at least eight mailboxes emptied the day after ballots were mailed. As we reported Oct. 21, the county is investigating.

Chapman told KUTV the incident appeared to be a crime of opportunity unrelated to the U.S. Postal Service. A handful of voters were affected, and the missing ballots have been canceled. Chapman said it is "physically impossible" for someone to vote using another person's ballot because the county verifies signatures and requires a Social Security number, state ID or driver's license.

Anyone who has not received a ballot should contact the Salt Lake County Clerk's Office. The original ballot will be voided and a replacement issued.

All ballots must reach the county clerk or a drop box by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Voters can track their ballot at vote.utah.gov.