Utah County Policy Regarding Early Voting

I recently heard a rumor that early votes are only counted if races have less than a 2% margin. Below is the reply I recieved from the county clerk to the email I sent about this.

Rod,

I understand that the rumor is circulating out there that early votes and absentee ballots are only counted if a race is closer than 2%.  I have actually heard that same thing from a hand full of individuals over the past few days.

You are correct that is inaccurate information.  Every vote is counted.  We don't release early voting results prior to the close of the polls on election day.  It has been our practice to release the actual vote from election day as it comes in, and then add in the early vote results at the end of the night.  Additionally any absentee ballots that have been counted by election night are also added in at that point. 

We are also required by law to count any absentee ballots, postmarked by the day before the election, and received by the official canvas date which is usually 1-2 weeks following election day. The other type of votes that are reviewed between election day and the canvas date is the provisional ballots that are cast.  Each of the provisional envelopes is verified for the required voter information and then the certified provisional ballots are counted and entered into the final vote tally.  

The bottom line is "Every Vote is Counted" .   Please let me know if you have any additional questions.

Bryan Thompson

Utah County Clerk/ Auditor

801-851-8237