Participate in Provo's Upcoming Primary Election!

A very important day is nearly upon us - our city's Primary Election on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. Today, August 14, ballots are being mailed out to all registered voters in our city. So, prepare to exercise your right to vote! Over the next couple of days, watch your mailboxes closely for your official election ballot.

Voting in this election is as simple as making your selections and dropping your ballot back in the mail. There’s no waiting in line, no pressure, just your voice being heard through your ballot. Remember, to be counted, your ballot must be postmarked on or before September 5, 2023 (the day before the election).

Ballot Drop Box Locations

To offer you a convenient voting experience, we have ballot drop boxes at the following locations. (Drop Boxes will close at 8 PM on election day.)

• Provo City Library (North side by book return) at 550 N University Ave, available 24/7

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

• Provo Town Center Mall (North side of parking lot) 1200 Town Center Blvd

Utah County voters may return their ballots to any Utah County drop box. Click here for a list of all locations.

Register to Vote or Check Registration Status

If you're uncertain about your registration status, you can verify it at vote.utah.gov. Those who have moved recently must ensure their address is up-to-date. And if you're not yet registered to vote, you still have time! Either get a registration form from the Utah County Clerk’s Office at 100 E Center Street, or register online at vote.utah.gov by 5:00 PM on August 25th. For any questions, please don't hesitate to call 801-852-6524.

Vote Early in Person

For those eager to make their voices heard ahead of Primary Election Day, I'm pleased to announce the early voting option. Provo residents can cast their votes early from August 28 through September 1, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. Head over to the Utah County Early Vote Center located at 100 E Center St.

Vote on Primary Election Day

On Primary Election Day, a voter service center will be operational at the Utah County Health And Justice Bldg (151 S University Ave, Rm 1600) from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Anyone who does not receive their mail-in ballot or misplaces it can visit the service center and cast a provisional ballot. Just remember to bring a current ID or two items bearing your current address.

Meet the Candidates

Now, let's meet our candidates on the Primary Ballot! For District Wide II, we have an impressive line-up that includes Joseph Penrose, Ari Emmanuel Webb, Gary Garrett, Wendy Ahlman, Tanner Bennett, McKay R. Jensen, and Nathan Smith Jones.

Visit voteprovo.com for more information on candidates, council district maps, vote-by-mail details, and election announcements.

This 2023 Primary Election is more than just an administrative process. It is an opportunity for you to actively shape our democratic future. Your vote is a declaration of your voice and choice. So, Provo residents, let's all make our voices heard!

BYU Enters the Big 12 Athletic Conference!

We’ve been talking all year about Provo’s big economic wins and the resulting national attention as the Safest Big City, Nation’s Best Performing City, Best Place to Start a Business, and many more. The national spotlight will shine even brighter on Provo with Brigham Young University joining the Big 12 Athletic Conference.

As football legend and Colorado University football coach Deion Sanders predicts, joining the Big 12 is a “game changer”! Watch our video to learn how this transformative move will impact Provo and the innovative steps we’re taking to seize this exciting opportunity.

BYU’s Athletic Director, Tom Holmoe has been planning BYU’s Big 12 entrance for a decade, with a dedicated team working behind the scenes building those bridges for many years. Enjoy Tom sharing what this opportunity means for him personally and for the community.

Rise and Shout! Enjoy the excitement of BYU officially joining the Big 12 with this promotional video.

Let’s roll out the red carpet! With millions of eyes focused on Provo for these events, we will have a unique opportunity to share what sets our community apart—our many “Provo Advantages”.

We want all visitors to feel welcome and have an incredible experience here. BYU coaches Mark Pope and Kalani Sataki share the visiting guest attitude they expect.

BYU joining the Big 12 elevates Provo to a new level, not only in national recognition but also with the strong economic impact that accompanies it—that is definitely a Provo Advantage to cheer about. Go deeper into the community impacts with our white paper.

Download White Paper

Latest Progress on Our New Sports Park

I am excited to provide you with the latest update about the development of our soon-to-be iconic Regional Sports Park. Our vision of making Provo home to the second-largest planned sports complex in the nation is gradually taking form. You'll see the landscape change as sod is laid this spring and curbs are currently being constructed.

The latest and most exciting development? The inclusion of pickleball courts in our state-of-the-art facility, making us a beacon for this fastest-growing sport, both locally and nationwide. With $2.5 million of tourism grant support from our friends at Utah County, the goal of a regional Pickleball complex is in reach.

The existing $2.5 grant is contingent on an equal amount of private fundraising to activate this project. A private fundraising group, designated by the Provo Foundation, is looking for interested donors.

Working north to south on the overall regional sports park will result in 15 multipurpose fields available for play in Fall, 2024. Dates for Pickleball complex opening are dependent on successful community fundraising efforts—so calling on all Pickleball enthusiasts to spread the fundraising word!

This initiative, alongside the 21 multi-use fields and park amenities spread across 100 acres, will attract athletes and families from all corners of the country, further promoting our city on a national level. We do recognize the need for additional infrastructure, such as hotels and other support businesses, to fully cater to this influx of visitors and are working tirelessly to address this.

As a city that's home to 330 local teams who share just 11 existing fields, we were striving to meet our local sporting needs. This facility not only resolves that issue but also opens avenues for Provo to become a hub in the national youth sports and tournament industry, driving substantial economic benefits to our city.

The potential revenue from this sports complex is estimated to be an impressive $30-$40 million annually. However, we believe the ripple effects of this project, coupled with our new airport and additional support services, could amplify this even further.

The acquisition of 100 acres on our city's west side was made possible thanks to a federal grant and the staunch support of Utah County, pushing our vision closer to reality. This Regional Sports Park, a cornerstone of my "Big 6" visionary projects, stands as a testament to Provo's commitment to being welcoming, safe, economically vibrant, and forward-looking.

Sports tourism is a rapidly growing sector that's generating significant economic returns. By turning Provo into a coveted destination for sports tourists, we’re poised to benefit from this economic tide.

Take the example of St. George, a city that generates nearly $40 million in annual spending by hosting just six youth tournaments each year. We are confident that Provo can emulate and even surpass this success, boosting our local economy and enriching our recreational systems.

Thank you for joining me in this journey to elevate Provo. Your continued support fuels our endeavors to enhance our city's charm and appeal. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project!