Election officials are preparing and reassuring the public as the election approaches

SALT LAKE CITY — Even though the election is just a week away, there are concerns about voting security. Utah counties are doing everything they can to keep your vote safe.

Jody Richardson is no stranger to elections.

“I worked in elections. I don’t want to date myself, but I’m probably 35+,” she said.

And she keeps coming back.

“I like making sure people can vote. I think this is important; I think if we don’t vote, it’s just a shame,” she said.

Along with other staff and volunteers, Richardson helped approximately 500 people vote on the first day of early voting in Weber County.

“It’s nice that you don’t have to wait in a very long line. It was very quick and everyone was very happy to help me,” said Izzie Deaver, who voted in person at the Weber Center on Tuesday.

“It’s encouraging, it’s so fun to see people voting,” Weber County Clerk Ricky Hatch said. “Especially first-time voters, we ring the bell and everyone applauds and it’s a great process.”

Deaver is voting for the first time.

“It was nice to see everyone so excited. It didn’t matter who you voted for. Just vote, have your voice,” she said.

Election officials told FOX 13 News people have asked them how secure their ballots really are.

“A lot of people have just expressed general concerns, but they don’t have any specifics – they just want to make sure their votes are counted,” Hatch said.

The outer boxes have a fire extinguishing system with 24-hour surveillance.

“We pick up these drop boxes frequently to make sure the ballots are removed and the risk is reduced,” Hatch explained.

There is also a clear chain of ballot collection through GPS tracking and sealing of ballot boxes.

“To ensure that incorrect ballots are not entered and valid ballots are not removed,” Hatch added.

People are invited to tour the polling center to understand how votes are safely counted.

“We have processes, checks, audits, reconciliations, just to make sure that every legally cast vote is correctly counted and recorded,” Hatch said.

This year, the state also sent protective boxes for ballots that may have contained suspicious powders. The goal is to keep everyone safe and help as many people as possible vote.

“We are here for a reason, and I have never seen it so busy during a special election. But it was fun, we were all excited,” Richardson added.

If you haven’t received your ballot in the mail yet, Weber County says it’s probably better to vote in person. You can do it early at the Weber Center from noon to 6 p.m. through Friday.