Utah’s recent voter turnout was impressive. It seems many were motivated by a rare sense that one person’s vote might make a difference in the outcome for an important proposition or elected office.
And they were right! Such is the power of “one person one vote” in any election where there is a fair political contest.
Sadly, in states with overriding dominance by one party, candidates may run unopposed, districts may be gerrymandered and “winner take all” Electoral College laws make sure minority party votes can be ignored. No wonder it’s become easy for Utahns of any party to not bother voting.
Why was Utah 39th in voter turnout in the 2016 presidential election? Because “winner take all” laws in Utah, as in 38 to 40 other safely red or blue states, made the outcome utterly predictable.
Only in unpredictable battleground states do voters understand that their ballots will make a difference and, no surprise, turnout and engagement with candidates are highest in those states. Imagine voter turnout in Utah, and every other securely red or blue state, if every vote for president counted.
That day may be closer than you think. Go to www.nationalpopularvote.com and learn something new.
Hazel Coffman, Salt Lake City
