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Vote.Utah.Gov Media Campaign Wins 13 Pollies

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Recognized for work on campaigns for Utah Lt. Governor's Office, Salt Lake County Mayoral race

SALT LAKE CITY - Salt Lake City-based Love Communications has been recognized for its work on campaigns for the Utah Lt. Governor's Office and Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams in a field that also includes presidential, senatorial and other national and local political and public affairs campaigns.

The agency won a total of 23 Pollie Awards from the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) for its Vote.Utah.Gov voter outreach campaign and the Ben McAdams for Salt Lake County Mayor campaign.

The tally includes six gold Pollies, four silver, eight bronze and five honorable mention awards.

"Our entire team is so proud of our efforts on behalf of Lt. Governor Greg Bell and Mayor McAdams. We were honored to work on these campaigns, and are additionally pleased that they have now been honored - and many times over - in this prestigious national competition," said Tom Love, president of Love Communications.

The winners were announced Friday at the Pollie Awards Gala Dinner at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The annual awards honors the "best of the best in political advertising and communications."

Love's voter outreach campaign was recognized for television and radio spots encouraging Utahns to visit the www.Vote.Utah.Gov website to learn more about early voting opportunities, review a personalized sample ballot and find polling locations in advance of the 2012 general election.

"The goal of our Vote.Utah.Gov campaign has always been to educate Utah voters about the many options available to make voting convenient and relevant," said Lt. Governor Greg Bell. "Love's creative vision and solid execution have been critical to achieving that goal. Over the past several years we have driven record numbers to the website and seen marked increase in voter turnout."

Love previously won a 2011 Pollie for the Vote.Utah.Gov campaign. This year, the agency brought home a total of 13 awards for the campaign, including Pollies for "Overall Campaigns - Public Affairs and Issue Advocacy," "Radio - Public Affairs and Issue Advocacy," "Television - Public Affairs and Issue Advocacy" and "Best Use of Humor" in both TV and radio.

One of the campaign's several Gold Pollie award winning TV spots, "VOTE/Office" can be viewed online at http://www.lovecomm.net/work/view/vote-early/.

Also, just as Salt Lake County voters responded to the Ben McAdams for Mayor campaign, so did AAPC judges. Love received 10 Pollies for television spots, web videos and outdoor advertising for McAdams' winning "Yeah, He's Different" campaign.

"We had so much fun with all the varying elements of this campaign, including the fun and effective 'Ben Bus, commercial,' McAdams said. "That TV spot, as well as our billboards and everything we produced with Love, were fun, positive and forward-thinking. It's wonderful to see positive messaging resonate at a time when so many candidates feel a need to go negative."

The Silver Pollie award-winning "Ben Bus" spot can be viewed online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oClfJ2AkKwQ.

Among the Pollie awards for the McAdams campaign were: "Overall Campaigns - Candidate," "Best Use of Humor - Democrat," "Collateral - Candidate (Billboard)," "Web Animation/Web Video - Mayor" and "Television - Candidate (Mayor)."

UTAH LT. GOVERNOR TO AWARD SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE WITH "UTAH'S ELECTION CAMPUS CUP"

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell will award Salt Lake Community College with "Utah's Election Campus Cup," Wednesday, February 13, 2013. This trophy recognizes their efforts to promote voter registration and education among students. The presentation will take place at 11:00 a.m. in the Student Events Center at SLCC's Redwood Road Campus in Taylorsville, Utah.

Lieutenant Governor Bell partnered with the Utah Student Association's governing body, the Utah Council of Student Body Presidents, to establish "Utah's Election Campus Cup." This trophy will be awarded each general election year to the school that earns the most points for helping register young voters.

Salt Lake Community College registered more than 1,364 students to vote. In total, Utah's colleges and universities collected more than 5,600 voter registration forms for the 2012 General Election, and 1,961 students pledged to vote online at vote.utah.gov.

Constitutional Defense Council (CDC) releases reports on HB148

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Lt. Governor's Office Kicks off Voter Education and Outreach Campaign

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 12:00:00 GMT

SALT LAKE CITY - Today is National Voter Registration Day, and with Election Day just 42 days away, the Utah Lt. Governor's Office is launching its mass media campaign to encourage all eligible Utahns to register to vote and become informed voters.

"More than ever before, Utah voters have robust resources to educate themselves about candidates and issues on the 2012 ballot, as well as many options to cast their ballots," said Lt. Governor Greg Bell. "We want to ensure that all eligible Utahns are able to participate as well-informed voters."

The Lt. Governor's Office operates vote.utah.gov, the state's premier source for election-related information. Utahns who visit the site can register to vote, view and update their registration information, request an absentee ballot, find their polling place, research candidates and issues, review a personalized sample ballot, see Early Voting locations and times in their county, and more.

Building on the momentum of its previous award-winning outreach campaign, the Lt. Governor's Office is utilizing a series of dynamic television, radio, and online ads, as well as billboards, to encourage Utahns to visit vote.utah.gov. Created by Salt Lake-based Love Communications, the campaign shows how anyone can be a "hero" by educating himself or herself about the 2012 election.

Important upcoming dates related to the 2012 election:
.        Deadline to register to vote by-mail: October 9
.        Deadline to register in person or online: October 22
.        Early Voting begins: October 23
.        Early Voting ends: November 2
.        Last day to request a by-mail ballot: November 2
.        General Election Day: November 6

UTAH RECOGNIZED BY NATIONAL MILITARY VOTER PROTECTION PROJECT AS ALL-STAR STATE

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Utah recognized for extraordinary efforts to protect the voting rights of service members and their families.

Utah was recognized today as an "All-Star state" by the Military Voter Protection (MVP) Project for taking significant efforts to promote and protect the voting rights of America's military service members and their families.

Utah Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell stated, "We're honored by this recognition. There is no right or responsibility more important than voting. No matter where in the world a service member is, he or she can be assured that Utah will help protect that right. Utah has ensured our Heroes can say, "I Voted."

In analyzing these states, the MVP Project looked at a number of factors, including:

.        The state's efforts to work with and reach out to local military installations and National Guard units on a proactive basis to provide on-base voter assistance;
.        Its use of electronic and web-based services to send election materials;
.        Its willingness to create specialized communications to military voters either through public service announcements or web-based announcements;
.        The state's legislative efforts to eliminate barriers to military voter participation; and
.        Its track record of making sure that absentee military ballots are sent out no later than 45-days before the election and, when they are not, a high degree of accountability to resolve any violations.

Utah was recognized as an All-Star state by the Military Voter Protection Project, in addition to: Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia.

"Utah is led by an excellent group of state and local election officials who have made military voters a priority in elections.   We recognize and appreciate the tremendous efforts of Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert and Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell," said Eric Eversole, founder and executive director of the Military Voter Protection Project.

For more information about the Military Voter Protection Project's Heroes Vote Initiative or to view details about the MVP Project All-Star states, please visit http://www.herosvote.org/.

Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell Launches Online Caucus Information Tool

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Salt Lake City - Today Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell announced the launch of the "Find My Caucus Location" tool on vote.utah.gov. The caucus location tool displays the date, time, and location of each participating political party's neighborhood caucus meeting by voting precinct.

"I am thrilled with the launch of this new feature. We are excited to be able to provide detailed information on caucus meetings to the citizens of our state," said Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell. "Utah voters deserve the best possible information regarding elections and candidates. My office is working hard to utilize the latest technology to encourage civic participation by Utah's citizens."

To find out when and where their caucus meeting will be held, Utah voters may visit vote.utah.gov, click on the "Find My Caucus Location" tab, and enter their voter registration information. Registration details, including political party affiliation, voting precinct, and caucus information will be displayed. Non-registered individuals may also use the tool to look up precinct and caucus information by address. Eligible Utahns may also register to vote or update their registration information at vote.utah.gov.

Utah Explores Future Olympic Winter Games Bid

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Governor Convenes Committee, Gives Them Four Months to Report

KEARNS, UTAH - In front of what has been called the fastest ice in the world and the athletes who train on it, Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert and Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker joined other Utah officials and Olympic VIPs to announce the formation of an exploratory committee to consider a bid for the 2022 or 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

"Ten years ago, Utah 'Lit the Fire Within,' and today that flame still burns bright," Governor Herbert said, citing the debt-free success of the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. "This talented committee will thoughtfully and carefully consider whether we should officially submit Salt Lake City to be considered to host future Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games."

"The 2002 Winter Games are an exciting chapter of Salt Lake City's history," said Mayor Becker. "The outcome was a spectacular success. As we explore the possibility of again hosting the Olympic Winter Games, there is no predetermined recommendation. We believe an investment of meaningful time and effort is worthwhile to make the right decision - not only for Salt Lake City, but for all of Utah."

Co-chaired by Lt. Governor Greg Bell, Mayor Becker, and Utah Sports Commission Chair Steven Price, the exploratory committee will examine specific criteria, including budget and financing, transportation, environment, venues, potential competitors, public support, and economic impact. The committee plans to take three to four months to complete its review.

And timing matters. Should the exploratory committee recommend pursuit of the 2022 Games, Salt Lake City has limited time to become the U.S. nominee. As soon as 2013, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) may choose to officially submit a candidate city to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC will then select the host city for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in 2015.

"Utah's world class venues are heavily utilized today by athletes of all ages and skill levels, including elite athletes," Dr. Eric Heiden, a five-time Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in speedskating, added. "In fact, 40% of the U.S. Olympians that competed in Vancouver in the 2010 Olympic Winter Games train in Utah. These venues are a significant advantage in a potential bid."

The exploratory committee is comprised of well-credentialed Utahns, including Salt Lake Chamber President and CEO Lane Beattie; Governor's Office of Economic Development Executive Director Spencer Eccles; five-time Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in speedskating, Dr. Eric Heiden; Utah Athletic Foundation President and CEO Colin Hilton; Salt Lake Organizing Committee Chief Financial Officer Brett Hopkins; the Governor's Chief of Staff Derek Miller; four-time Olympian in speedskating and USOC Athlete Advisory Council member Catherine Raney Norman; Utah Sports Commission Executive Director Jeff Robbins; Olympic gold medalist in skeleton and third-generation Olympian Jimmy Shea; President and General Manager of the Park City Mountain Resort and Chairperson of the Utah Ski and Snowboard Association Jenni Smith; and City Creek Construction Services Director Grant Thomas. Fraser Bullock, former COO and CFO of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee, will be an advisor to the committee.

Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell Launches Political District Maps Website

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Salt Lake City - Today Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell announced the launch of the Utah Political District Maps website. The website will display interactive maps of the State House, State Senate, State Board of Education and Congressional Districts recently passed by the Utah State Legislature. The districts represented by these maps take effect on January 1, 2012 for nominating and electoral purposes and on January 1, 2013 for all other purposes.

The maps can be found directly at elections.utah.gov/map/district-maps or accessed under the "Election Resources" tab on the Lieutenant Governor's election website www.elections.utah.gov/. The public will be able to study the maps online and print off static renderings of each new district.

"I am thrilled with the launch of this new website," said Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell. "We are excited to be able to provide detailed information on the new districts to the citizens of our state.
We are always striving to provide the best possible election information to our voters and candidates and this new website fits in perfectly with that goal."

Future releases of the website will include precinct boundaries and political caucus information.

Recommendations to Protect Agriculture

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Salt Lake City - Following seven months of research and study, the 35 member Utah Agriculture Sustainability Task Force, led by Lt. Governor Greg Bell and Commissioner Leonard Blackham, is offering 29 recommendations that are expected to protect and enhance Utah agriculture. The recommendations generally call for the creation of new laws and policies at the federal, state and local levels that remove obstacles for safe and modern farming and ranching.

A few of the recommendations include:

Provide new monies to the LeRay McAllister fund to provide matching funds for conservation easements on productive agricultural lands with prime or locally-important soils.
Provide a $1,000,000 increase in invasive species control, especially for non-native weeds.
Create a separate greenbelt designation for smaller-acreage productive operations.
Develop incubator kitchens in each county to provide small-scale agricultural start-ups with a place to test new products.
Provide, incentives and/or legislation to encourage local stores, restaurants, school lunch programs, state agencies, and other public sector services to buy Utah products first, (when available);
Work with the Governor's Office of Economic Development to improve local processing capacity.
Support Utah House Bill 116 (Guest Worker Program): an ample, sustainable and legal workforce is critical for our farms and ranches.

"Utah is among the fastest growing states in the country. We welcome the growth but we must prepare for its impact on agriculture," said Lt. Governor, Greg Bell. "I am pleased with the recommendations of the task force which promote self-reliance and economic growth while preserving farmland and our heritage"

The action items were unanimously supported by all members of the task force, with the exception of conservation easements. A few members had concerns with the structure and appropriateness of conservation easements.

According to a 2008 Governor's Office of Planning and Budget report, the State will need to develop nearly 200,000 additional acres of farmland to meet the increased population projected for the year 2030 if current development trends continue. Most of this development will occur on our most productive farmlands in Wasatch Front Counties.

"We must recognize that we cannot continue the path we have been taking with regards to protecting our prime farmland and expect different results," said Agriculture and Food Commissioner Leonard Blackham. "Conservation easements are a needed option if we wish to protect our access to locally grown fruits and vegetables," he added. Commissioner Blackham stressed that the recommendations are intended to protect our food supply which is the most abundant and affordable for consumers than in any time in history. The steps outlined by the task force are designed to reduce the dependency on foreign-grown foods, increase our supply of locally grown foods and increase our quality of life.

The Task Force developed and adapted these recommendations for the state, local governments, producers, and consumers. The recommendations are intended to start deliberations on these issues and will result in concrete solutions to protect farms, ranches, farm families, and most importantly, the communities that are served by the benefits of Utah Agriculture.

Read the summary and 29 recommendations here.

Utah Online Voter Registration Program Recognized as Top Government Website

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Utah.Gov wins Digital Government Achievement Award

SALT LAKE CITY-Utah's online voter registration program, voter.utah.gov, was recognized as a top government-to-citizen website by the Center for Digital Government. Online Voter Registration is one of hundreds of services available online via Utah.Gov, the official website for the state of Utah.

"Voter registration is one of the most beneficial services the State of Utah can offer online," said Governor Gary Herbert. "It makes political participation easier and saves the taxpayer dollars. This award is another honor that demonstrates Utah leads out in connecting government to its citizens."

To increase voter participation, Utah's Lt. Governor Greg Bell, in conjunction with the county clerks, implemented an online voter registration program that launched in June 2010. Registration is quick and simple. At voter.utah.gov you can register to vote, or update your address and party affiliation information. Driver license applicants are connected directly to the online service. The site also integrates social media upon completion; new voters can share with their Twitter followers or Facebook friends a link back to the voter registration page. So far over 18,000 voters have used the site.

"We are honored to receive a Digital Government Achievement Award," said Lt. Governor Greg Bell. "As increasing voter participation has been a top initiative of our office, we are pleased to be recognized for our efforts. We simplified the process so that we can get citizens to the polls, while providing a large cost saving mechanism to state and local governments."

The state of Utah is proud to offer this valuable service to the public as part of the many award-winning services. To find a complete list of awards please visit utah.gov/awards.