(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Salt Lake County clerk Sherrie Swensen, left, who has overseen 67 elections, talks with her Chief Deputy Lannie Chapman during the night of her final election at the Salt Lake County Government Center on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022.
By Christy Bills | The Public Forum
This is a love letter to Sherrie Swensen, long time Salt Lake County clerk. Although we’ve never met in person, I have greatly benefited from Swensen’s efforts to make voting easy and convenient in Salt Lake county.
Because of easy mail-in and drop-off voting, I voted at my kitchen table with my kids, so they were comfortable around a ballot.
I’ve dropped my ballots, by drive through, at my local libraries, which was enormously helpful when I was ill, busy or the kids were too little to want to wait in line while I voted. I’ve watched in horror as people around the country have waited, hungry and cold, for hours to exercise their rights while we have been so fortunate here.
I’ve logged into the county clerk’s website which was easy to understand and easy to navigate. Once, I called the county clerk’s office to complain about something and left a message. When Swensen herself called back to explain that the Utah state Legislature mandated the conditions of making voters’ information public, I was aghast that she took the time. She was so passionate, I couldn’t get her off the phone! I was stunned at her devotion to public service.
I doubt there are many children who fantasize about a career as a county clerk; but how vital a role it is in assuring that we have an equitable democracy.
Sherrie Swensen, I don’t know how you’ve done it all these years, but I’m so grateful for your hard work. Salt Lake County has benefitted so much from your dedication and perseverance. Thank you.
Christy Bills, Salt Lake City
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