Participate in Provo's General Election!

The moment to make your voice heard is approaching — our city's General Election on Tuesday, November 21, 2023. I'm thrilled to announce that ballots have bee sent out to all registered voters in Provo. This is your opportunity to participate actively in shaping the future of our beloved city.

Keep a close eye on your mailboxes for your official election ballot. If by any chance you do not receive your ballot, please get in touch with the Utah County Clerk without delay at 801-851-8128 or elections@utahcounty.gov.

Casting your vote is straightforward: select your candidates and return your ballot by mail. There's no need to wait in line; it's your vote from the comfort of your home, ensuring your voice is heard. To be considered valid, your ballot must be postmarked no later than November 20, 2023.

Ballot Drop Box Locations for Your Convenience:

We understand the importance of accessibility, which is why we've provided ballot drop boxes at several locations around Provo. All drop boxes will be open until 8 PM on Election Day, November 21st.

• Provo City Library at 550 N University Ave (Available 24/7 on the North side by book return)

• Utah County Administration Building at 100 E Center Street (South side next to USPS mailboxes)

• Provo Towne Centre at 1200 Towne Centre Blvd (North side of parking lot)

Remember, as a voter in Utah County, you can return your ballot to any drop box within the county. For a complete list of locations, visit utahcounty.vote.

Important Dates and Registration Details:

If you haven't registered to vote yet or need to update your registration, there's still time. Register in person or online by 5:00 pm on November 13th, 2023. Unsure about your registration status? Verify it at vote.utah.gov. For any registration assistance, contact the Utah County Clerk’s Office.

Early Voting Option:

In office Early Voting will be held from November 13th to November 20th. It will be conducted in the Elections Office in the Utah County Administration building located at 100 E. Center St. Suite 3100, Provo UT 84606, during normal business hours (8am to 5pm).

Election Day Voting:

On General Election Day, a voter service center will be available at the Utah County Health And Justice Building (151 S University Ave, Rm 1600) from 7 am to 8 pm. Should you not receive your mail-in ballot or if you misplace it, you can vote provisionally at the service center. Please bring a current ID or two forms of identification showing your current address.

Meet Your General Election Candidates:

It's important to know who you're voting for. Visit voteprovo.com for comprehensive information on the candidates, council district maps, and further details on vote-by-mail procedures.

This 2023 General Election is a pivotal occasion for our community. Your vote is a powerful statement of your values and vision for Provo. Let's join together to shape our city's path forward. Get ready, Provo—let's vote!

Revitalizing Provo’s Sister-City Bond with Meissen, Germany

I have some heartwarming news to share with all of you. We've rekindled our sister-city relationship with Meissen, Germany, a connection that's deeply rooted in our shared history with Karl G. Maeser, the founding principal of Brigham Young Academy.

This partnership began in the late '90s under Mayor Lewis Billings and has blossomed into a beautiful example of what cities can achieve together. The highlight of our relationship has undoubtedly been the student exchanges—hundreds of young minds from Provo and Meissen have experienced life in each other's homes, a program founded by Dr. Stephen Van Orden that truly opened a window into our respective cultures.

However, the pandemic put a pause on these valuable exchanges. Recognizing the importance of this program, I accepted an invitation to Meissen’s city festival last year, which helped revive this cultural and educational exchange.

We were honored to recently host a delegation from Meissen, including Mayor Olaf Raschke. Highlights of the visit included a tour of City Hall, being publicly recognized during a Tabernacle Choir concert during their Temple Square visit, and a tour of Brigham Young University campus. In addition, the delegation was introduced to two of Provo’s economic successes with a tour of Vanderhall, Utah’s only auto manufacturer and an introduction to our robust startup culture with a visit to Kiln.

Our guests from Germany were particularly impressed with Provo's landscape and the warmth of our community. These exchanges allow us to unite over common ground and appreciate our differences, enriching our city's social and cultural fabric.

I am thrilled to see our sister-city relationship flourish once more, creating lasting impacts on our communities and future generations. As I've always believed, Provo is not just a spectator in the global narrative of human connections—we're active participants, learning and growing through our friendships across borders.

Let's continue to embrace these connections that make our community a vibrant part of the larger world.

BYU Celebrates Mayor Kaufusi as an Honored Alumni

Mayor Kaufusi was named one of BYU’s Honored Alumni at a special event hosted by President Shane Reese, the newly installed president of BYU. I thought readers of this blog might be interested in the recognition, so as deputy mayor, I have hijacked the blog to tell you about it.

President Reese explained that recipients of this award represent some of the finest of BYU’s alumni, ones who have not only exemplified BYU’s values but who also have blazed a trail for current students to follow.

He referenced President Spencer W. Kimball’s landmark speech entitled “The Second Century of Brigham Young University” in which the church leader laid out a vision of BYU as an “educational Everest” that in many ways could “tower above other universities.” In a related speech, President Kimball laid out his vision that BYU could produce leaders in the arts, government, science, and other fields. He mused that there should be no reason BYU could not produce graduates equal to or surpassing the talents, abilities, gifts, and achievements of Rembrandt, Shakespeare, Abraham Lincoln, or Da Vinci.

President Reese did not declare anyone present to be of that stature, but in noting that BYU was now almost halfway through its second century, he did indicate that the recipients of this award were of the sort foreseen by President Kimball.

As a trailblazer who is serving as the first female mayor of Provo, Mayor Kaufusi was acknowledged for her leadership in government, including as the recipient of the Kem C. Gardner Informed Decision Maker of the Year Award and The Milken Institute’s Best Performing City Award for three years in a row.

Highlights from a video shown at one component of the event include the following:

“The mayor is very inclusive. She’s willing to hear you out, to make time for you.”

- James Miguel, Former Chief, Provo City Fire and Rescue.

“She brings an energy and enthusiasm rarely seen.”

- Scott Henderson, Provo City Chief Administrative Officer.

“Mayor Kaufusi’s leadership style is visionary.”

- Keith Morey, Provo City Economic Development Director.

It’s really great to have a good idea, but it’s even better to have great execution, and I think Mayor Kaufusi has exhibited that—that she can deliver on her vision.”

- Curtis Blair, Utah Valley Chamber Executive Director.

In closing, it's an honor to work alongside Mayor Kaufusi, a leader who continually uplifts and inspires our city. Her recognition as one of BYU's Honored Alumni is a testament to her unwavering commitment, dedication, and leadership. As her Deputy Mayor, I am privileged to witness her drive and passion for Provo firsthand. Here's to many more accomplishments and milestones in the future. - Isaac Paxman, Deputy Mayor of Provo.