From Ballot Box to Mailbox: The Effect of Vote-by-Mail in Municipal Elections in Utah

Authors

Asia L. Reid, Brigham Young University - ProvoFollow

Files

Keywords

vote-by-mail, vote by mail, Utah, municipal elections

Abstract

This study examines the impact of vote-by-mail (VBM) on voter turnout in Utah from 2010–2020, focusing on municipal elections. VBM increased turnout by approximately 10 percentage points (p < 0.001), with the strongest effects in mayoral and special elections, nearly doubling turnout in some cases. While VBM’s impact on national elections is negligible, it plays a crucial role in increasing participation in local elections, where turnout is traditionally lower. These findings highlight VBM’s potential to enhance civic engagement in municipal contexts.

BYU ScholarsArchive Citation

Reid, Asia L., "From Ballot Box to Mailbox: The Effect of Vote-by-Mail in Municipal Elections in Utah" (2024). FHSS Mentored Research Conference. 369.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/fhssconference_studentpub/369

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2024-12-10

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Political Science

University Standing at Time of Publication

Senior

Course

CSED Lab

Copyright Use Information

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