For the Western States Presidential Primary Election to be held Feb. 5, the following precincts have been designated as permanent by-mail precincts: Lincoln, Lake Point, Stockton, Ophir, Vernon, Rush Valley, Terra, Dugway, Ibapah and Wendover.

The permanent by-mail precincts will be receiving your ballots this week. If you are registered as a Democrat, you will receive the Democratic ballot. If you are registered as a Republican, you will receive the Republican ballot. If you are registered as unaffiliated, you will receive both ballots, along with an affiliation form.

No, you may not vote both ballots. You will have to decide which party you would like to vote with. But remember to fill out and sign the party affiliation form and include it when returning your ballot or your ballot will not count.

Tooele, Grantsville, Stansbury and Erda precincts will vote at the same combined precinct locations as in the November 2007 election.

Currently the only registered political parties in Utah are the Republican, Democratic and Constitution parties. If you are registered with any other party, you are considered unaffiliated and will be able to chose either the Democratic or Republican ballot when you go to vote. If you are registered with the Constitution Party and would like to vote in the Western States President Primary, you will have to come into the clerk's office in person to change your party affiliation to Democrat, Republican or unaffiliated by Jan. 29.

Thank you for your questions and suggestions. Your input is always welcome.

Marilyn K. Gillette is the Tooele County clerk.