February 20, 2022
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Candidate filings to start earlier this year under new law - St George News

A sign directs voters to the ballot in Southern Utah, Aug. 11, 2017 | File photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News

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ST. GEORGE — Those seeking to run for public office will need to file earlier than usual this year thanks to a bill that recently passed the Legislature.

In this Jan. 27, 2020, file photo, the Utah Senate floor is viewed during the Utah legislative session in Salt Lake City. The Utah Legislature is wrapping up its work for the year, capping off a session that saw major changes to the state’s polygamy statute, a revision of a voter-approved redistricting law and a compromise on education funding. The 45-day meeting is ending in the shadow of the new coronavirus, which caused widespread cancellations but didn’t cause major disruptions in legislative business. | AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, file, St. George News

Senate Bill 170 requires candidate for local, state and federal races in Utah register between Feb. 28 and March 4 now instead of March 7-11.

Under the current schedule, candidate filing is placed in the middle of caucus night events throughout the state, according to a press release from the Utah Democratic Party which supported the bill.

A purpose of the bill is to help caucus participants become better informed about the candidates on the ballots before going to local caucus events.

The bill was a bipartisan effort between Democrats and Republicans in the Utah Legislature. It passed the Senate unanimously and the House soon after in a 59-11 vote. Gov. Spencer Cox signed it into law last Monday.

“This bill will help ensure that those who participate in caucus nights across the state will be as informed as possible about the candidates on the ballot, and it will make sure that candidates, voters, and local parties are all on the same page,” Diane Lewis, chair of the Utah Democratic Party, said in the press release sent prior the SB 170’s passing.

“I support this bill, and I look forward to an increase in civic participation as a result,” she said.

Where to file

The position sought dictates where candidates must file.

Position Where to file
Federal office Lt. Governor’s Office
State executive office Lt. Governor’s Office
Utah Senate Lt. Governor’s Office OR with the County Clerk where they reside
Utah House Lt. Governor’s Office OR with the County Clerk where they reside
State school board Lt. Governor’s Office OR with the County Clerk where they reside
County offices County Clerk’s Office
County school board County Clerk’s Office

The Iron County Clerk’s Office is located at 68 S. 100 East in Parowan and can be reach at 435-477-8340.

The Washington County Clark/Auditor’s Office is located at 197 E. Tabernacle St, in St. George and can be reached at 435-634-5712.

Check out all of St. George News’ coverage of the 2022 Utah Legislature here.

For a complete list of contacts for Southern Utah representatives and senators, click here.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.



source: https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2022/02/20/mgk-lgl22-candidate-filings-to-start-earlier-this-year-under-new-law/

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