Utah election officials warn of delayed results, long lines in 2022 Election

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah election officials say that results for the 2022 election might be delayed due to the number of voters this year.

On Monday, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson’s office said in a statement that all of Utah’s 29 county clerks are to withhold posting election results until all of them confirm their polling stations have closed and all voters in line by 8 p.m. has voted.

“While I’m hopeful early election results will go live shortly after polls close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, this guidance may impact the release timeline for results in Utah,” Henderson said. “Eligible voters deserve the opportunity to cast their ballots without outside influence, including data from preliminary results.”

Voters – today is the final day to get your ballot postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service.

You can also drop off your ballot in a secure dropbox or bring it to a polling location until 8 p.m. on Election Day. pic.twitter.com/wXIYEQ3URr

— Lt. Gov. Deidre M. Henderson (@LGHendersonUtah) November 7, 2022

Some counties expect delays because voters were not receiving their ballots in a “timely manner,” added Mark Mitchel, Director of Elections Systems. Because of this, those clerks encouraged their counties to vote in person, which can result in long lines.

“We hope this will not delay the release of results too late, however, the most important thing is allowing everyone to cast their ballot without being subject to preliminary results,” Mitchel said.

Election officials in Utah County have been preparing for a long Election Day and are hopeful that turnout will improve.

Utah County Elections Director Rozan Mitchell said they are working with law enforcement to keep the ballots secure.

“We’ve reached out to local law enforcement. They know where our vote centers are. And they’re just on alert in case we have anything that is concerning. Anything that may look suspicious out there at voters or at drop boxes,” Mitchell told KSL-TV.