Orem, Utah — Voters are turning out in record numbers to the polls here in the Salt Lake area and vicinities. Democrats sporting “Obama for Change” shirts seem to be the most abundant at the time, but many voters know that McCain is favored to take the state by a landslide.
Most interesting is the high turnout of male and female couples wearing “Vote No on Proposition 8” shirts, and the amount of signs up and around the area at various homes, business and proximities to voting centers. 800 miles away from Utah, Proposition 8 stands as a hot-button issue for voters who are turning out to the polls this morning there. But you would think that in Utah, the issue is our own to vote on. Proposition 8 is one of the most heavily covered issues here in Utah on radio, TV, and newspapers. But why has Utah cared so much about an issue that’s going on over 800 miles away?
Utah has a strong and growing gay community. Yearly in Salt Lake City, a gay pride parade is held, publication of a gay and lesbian magazine based in Salt Lake City, and the establishment of the Utah Pride Center–a resource center for gay teens, parents, and adults. However, even with the growing community of gay partnerships here in Utah, and the ever growing stronghold of gay clubs and members, Utah is still considered very traditional in thought and action when it comes to voting and going against traditional issues at the voting polls.