Geographers talk about “place” as the meaning associated with locations, in other words “location with an attitude.” Utah’s unique features, including its religious heritage, rich natural resources, largely rural setting and spot within the Intermountain West all contribute to voting patterns in the Beehive State. Geography adjunct professor Genevieve Atwood has a personal connection to both Utah’s landscape and its politics, having served as both a state legislator in the 1970s and state geologist in the 1980s. She is available to comment on the history of Utah’s political swings in the 20th century and on the factors that influence voting trends in various regions of the state.

Genevieve Atwood,  801-647-8155,  genevieve.atwood@geog.utah.edu