FARMINGTON -- Utah Republicans will have to register if they want to vote in their party's primary June 27 or during the two weeks prior now allowed for voting in the new early voting provision passed by the Legislature. Davis County Clerk/Auditor Steve Rawlings added that "if an individual is unaffiliated, they can register at the pool as a Republican and vote. That is still allowed in the law." The Davis County Democratic Party has traditionally not held a primary. However, Richard Watson, who heads the party in the county, said that may need to be considered. For example, as of Wednesday when the Clipper went to press, two Democrats had filed to run for the House of Representatives District 20 seat that is currently held by Republican Ann Hardy. She has announced her intentions not to seek another term.

Democrats seeking that office are Leslie Reynolds-Benns and Beth Holbrook. Miriam Harmer is running on the Republican ticket.

Rawlings noted that law now requires citizens aged 18 and over who wish to vote in an upcoming election must be registered 30 days before that election.

For the upcoming primary, those interested may register at satellite locations June 9 and 12, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. However, if registering there, voters can only vote in the June 27 primary, not participate in early voting, he said.

Otherwise, voters can register any business day at the Clerk's office, Davis County Memorial Courthouse, 28 E. State, Farmington.

The early voting option, which allows voters to exercise their privilege up to two weeks before an election. It was approved by the Legislature in the recently-completed session.

"That is such a fantastic option for people," Rawlings said. "It's going to allow people a lot more flexibility, and we're hopeful all registered voters will be able to vote in the county because of the extended time frame.

"The county clerks have the ability to even have some early voting locations open on Saturdays and Sundays. We may consider that, if the public lets me know they would like that," he added.

The Clerk's office can be reached at 451-3324.

Extensive election information pertaining to Davis County is contained on the County Clerk's link to the Davis County Web site. The address is: www.davis

countyutah.gov. At the site, look for the Clerk link, clicking elections.

A constantly updated list of candidates filing for the upcoming election is among items available. Rawlings noted that the Clerk's election site was recognized by the State Elections Office as "the best in the state" by the lieutenant governor.

tbusselberg@davisclipper.com