Mormon Percentages In Utah Fall

Today's Salt Lake Tribune reports that the percentage of Utah residents who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has fallen to a new low of 60.7% according to data furnished by the LDS Church to the state of Utah for demographic purposes. Apparently much of this change is due to the influx of new people into the state. If the trend continues, Mormons will make up less than 50% of the state's population by 2030. Brigham Young University Professor Kelly Patterson says the political impact of the shift will be lessened by the fact that Mormons traditionally have voted in higher percentages than non-Mormons.