HB 27 — Signature Verification Revisions

27 01-24 20:06 suitable title;

and - 6 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (f) each group is preceded by the designation of the office for which the candidates seek election, and the words, "Vote for one" or "Vote for up to _____ (the number of candidates for which the voter may vote)," according to the number to be elected.

20A-6-30220A-6-302. .

-(b) 6candidates' -surnames 01-24are 20:06listed 1stin Sub.alphabetical order on the ballots when two or more candidates' names are required to be listed on a ticket under the title of an office;

(Buff) H.B.

27 (b) candidates' surnames are listed in alphabetical order on the ballots when two or more candidates' names are required to be listed on a ticket under the title of an office;

(2)(a)(2) (a) When there is only one candidate for county attorney at the regular general election in counties that have three or fewer registered voters of the county who are licensed active members in good standing of the Utah State Bar, the county clerk shall cause that candidate's name and party affiliation, if any, to be placed on a separate section of the ballot with the following question:

- 7 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (c) If the number of "No" votes exceeds the number of "Yes" votes, the candidate is not elected and may not take office, nor may the candidate continue in the office past the end of the term resulting from any prior election or appointment.

(3)(a)(3) (a) When there is only one candidate for district attorney at the regular general -election 7in -a 1stprosecution Sub.district that has three or fewer registered voters of the district who are licensed active members in good standing of the Utah State Bar, the county clerk shall cause that candidate's name and party affiliation, if any, to be placed on a separate section of the ballot with the following question:

(Buff) H.B.

27 01-24 20:06 election in a prosecution district that has three or fewer registered voters of the district who are licensed active members in good standing of the Utah State Bar, the county clerk shall cause that candidate's name and party affiliation, if any, to be placed on a separate section of the ballot with the following question:

- 8 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (d) When the name of only one candidate for district attorney is printed on the ballot under authority of this Subsection (3), the county clerk may not count any write-in votes received for the office of district attorney.

20A-6-30420A-6-304. .

(b) the titles of offices and the names of candidates are displayed in vertical columns or -in 8a -series 01-24of 20:06separate 1stdisplays; Sub.

(Buff) H.B.

27 in a series of separate displays;

and - 9 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (f) if possible, all candidates for one office are grouped in one column or upon one display screen.

20A-9-40320A-9-403. .

(1)(a)(1) (a) Candidates for elective office that are to be filled at the next regular general election shall be nominated in a regular primary election by direct vote of the people in the manner prescribed in this section.

(b) Each registered political party that chooses to have the names of the registered political party's candidates for elective office featured with party affiliation on the ballot at a regular general election shall comply with the requirements of this section and shall nominate the registered political party's candidates for elective office in the -manner 9described -in 1stthis Sub.section.

(Buff) H.B.

27 01-24 20:06 manner described in this section.

(2)(a)(2) (a) Each registered political party, in a statement filed with the lieutenant governor, shall:

- 10 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (i) either declare the registered political party's intent to participate in the next regular primary election or declare that the registered political party chooses not to have the names of the registered political party's candidates for elective office featured on the ballot at the next regular general election;

(b)(i)(b) (i) A registered political party that is a continuing political party shall file the statement described in Subsection (2)(a) with the lieutenant governor no later than 5 p.m.

on November 30 of each odd-numberedodd- numbered year.

(3)(a)(3) (a) Except as provided in Subsection [(3)(e)] (5), an individual who submits a declaration of candidacy under Section 20A-9-202 shall appear as a candidate for elective office on the regular primary ballot of the registered political party listed on the declaration of candidacy only if the individual is certified by the appropriate filing officer as having submitted a nomination petition that was:

(b)(i)(b) (i) A candidate for elective office shall, in accordance with Section 20A-9-408.3, -submit 10signatures -for 01-24a 20:06nomination 1stpetition Sub.to the appropriate filing officer for verification and certification no later than 5 p.m.

(Buff) H.B.

27 submit signatures for a nomination petition to the appropriate filing officer for verification and certification no later than 5 p.m.

(c)(i)(c) - 11 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (i) The lieutenant governor shall determine for each elective office the total number of signatures that must be submitted under Subsection (3)(a)(ii) or 20A-9-408(8) by counting the aggregate number of individuals residing in each elective office's political division who have designated a particular registered political party on the individuals' voter registration forms on or before November 15 of each odd-numbered year.

(iv) consider an individual who signs a nomination petition a member of a registered political party for purposes of Subsection (3)(a)(ii) if the individual has designated [[that] that] the registered political party as the individual's party membership on the individual's voter registration form;

(4) Subject to Subsection 20A-9-405(11)(a)(i), and notwithstanding Section 20A-2-104, the -filing 11officer -shall, 1stno Sub.later than one business day after the day on which the signature of an individual who signs a nomination petition is verified under Subsection (3)(d) or Section 20A-1-201:

(Buff) H.B.

27 01-24 20:06 filing officer shall, no later than one business day after the day on which the signature of an individual who signs a nomination petition is verified under Subsection (3)(d) or Section 20A-1-201:

and - 12 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (b) if the individual's voter information in the voter registration database includes a valid email address, use an electronic notification system to send an email notice to the individual, informing the individual that:

[(ii)] (b) place the names of all candidates who have filed a declaration of candidacy for a local board of education seat on the nonpartisan section of the ballot if more than two -candidates 12have -filed 01-24for 20:06the 1stsame Sub.seat;

(Buff) H.B.

27 candidates have filed for the same seat;

[(4)] (8)(a)(8) - 13 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (a) Before the deadline described in Subsection 20A-9-409(4)(c), the lieutenant governor shall provide to the county clerks:

county clerk." [(5)] (9)(a)(9) (a) A candidate who, at the regular primary election, receives the highest number of votes cast for the office sought by the candidate is:

(c)(i)(c) (i) As used in this Subsection [(5)(c)] (9)(c), a candidate is "unopposed" if:

or - 1314 - 1stHB0027 Sub.compared with HB0027S01 (B) for an office where more than one individual is to be elected or nominated, the number of candidates who receive certification under Subsection [(3)] (3)(a) for the regular primary election of the candidate's registered political party does not exceed the total number of candidates to be elected or nominated for that office.

(Buff) H.B.

27 01-24 20:06 (B) for an office where more than one individual is to be elected or nominated, the number of candidates who receive certification under Subsection [(3)] (3)(a) for the regular primary election of the candidate's registered political party does not exceed the total number of candidates to be elected or nominated for that office.

20A-9-40520A-9-405. .

(d) the petition shall feature the [word "Warning" followed by the ]following [statement][statement]{s} statements in no less than eight-point, single leaded type:

- 15 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (i) "WARNING:

It is a class A misdemeanor for anyone to knowingly sign a nomination petition with any name other than the person's own name, or more than once for the same candidate, or if the person is not registered to vote in this -state."; 14 - 01-24 20:06 1st Sub.

(Buff) H.B.

27 state.";

If your voter registration information includes a valid email address, you will receive an email notifying you of - 16 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 the disclosure as well as information on how to remove your name from this petition.

To ensure your voter registration information includes a valid email address, please visit vote.utah.gov or -the 15office -of 1styour Sub.county clerk.";

(Buff) H.B.

27 01-24 20:06 the office of your county clerk.";

- 17 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (ii) more than once for the same candidate;

-(i) 16has -not 01-24witnessed 20:06the 1stsigning Sub.by those persons whose names appear on the nomination petition;

(Buff) H.B.

27 (i) has not witnessed the signing by those persons whose names appear on the nomination petition;

(10)(a)(10) (a) A voter who signs a nomination petition may have the voter's signature removed from the petition by, no later than 5 p.m.

three business days after the day on which [[the the candidate files the petition with the appropriate filing officer] the filing officer makes the posting described in Subsection 20A-9-403(4)(a), submitting to the filing officer a statement requesting that the voter's signature be removed.

(11)(a)(11) (a) If a filing officer timely receives a statement requesting signature removal under Subsection (10)(a) and determines that the signature should be removed from the nomination petition under Subsection 20A-1-1003(3), the filing officer shall:

- 18 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (b) The filing officer shall comply with Subsection (11)(a) no later than 5 p.m.

20A-9-40620A-9-406. .

on the first Monday of October of each odd-numbered year, certify to the lieutenant governor the identity of one or more registered political parties whose members may vote for the qualified political party's -candidates 17and -whether 1stunaffiliated Sub.voters may vote for the qualified political party's candidates;

(Buff) H.B.

27 01-24 20:06 candidates and whether unaffiliated voters may vote for the qualified political party's candidates;

- 19 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (8) "candidates for elective office," defined in Subsection 20A-9-101(1)(a), also includes an individual who files a declaration of candidacy under Section 20A-9-407 or 20A-9-408 to run in a regular general election for a federal office, constitutional office, multicounty office, or county office;

-(11) 18notwithstanding -Subsection 01-24[20A-9-403(4)(a)] 20:0620A-9-403(8)(a), 1stthe Sub.lieutenant governor shall include on the list provided by the lieutenant governor to the county clerks:

(Buff) H.B.

27 (11) notwithstanding Subsection [20A-9-403(4)(a)] 20A-9-403(8)(a), the lieutenant governor shall include on the list provided by the lieutenant governor to the county clerks:

{Section 8.

Section 20A-9-406 is amended to read:

} 20A-9-406.

Qualified political party -- Requirements and exemptions.

The following provisions apply to a qualified political party:

(1) the qualified political party shall, no later than 5 p.m.

on the first Monday of October of each odd-numbered year, certify to the lieutenant governor the identity of one or more registered political parties whose members may vote for the qualified political party's candidates and whether unaffiliated voters may vote for the qualified political party's candidates;

(2) the following provisions do not apply to a nomination for the qualified political party:

(a) Subsections 20A-9-403(1) through (3)(b) and (3)(d) through [(4)(a)] (8)(a);

- 20 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (b) Subsection [20A-9-403(5)(c)] 20A-9-403(9)(c);

and (c) Section 20A-9-405;

(3) an individual may only seek the nomination of the qualified political party by using a method described in Section 20A-9-407, Section 20A-9-408, or both;

(4) the qualified political party shall comply with the provisions of Sections 20A-9-407, 20A-9-408, and 20A-9-409;

(5) notwithstanding Subsection 20A-6-301(1)(a), (1)(e), or (2)(a), each election officer shall ensure that a ballot described in Section 20A-6-301 includes each individual nominated by a qualified political party:

(a) under the qualified political party's name , if any;

or (b) under the title of the qualified registered political party as designated by the qualified political party in the certification described in Subsection (1), or, if none is designated, then under some suitable title;

(6) notwithstanding Subsection 20A-6-302(1)(a), each election officer shall ensure, for ballots in regular general elections, that each candidate who is nominated by the qualified political party is listed by party;

(7) notwithstanding Subsection 20A-6-304(1)(e), each election officer shall ensure that the party designation of each candidate who is nominated by the qualified political party is displayed adjacent to the candidate's name on a mechanical ballot;

(8) "candidates for elective office," defined in Subsection 20A-9-101(1)(a), also includes an individual who files a declaration of candidacy under Section 20A-9-407 or 20A-9-408 to run in a regular general election for a federal office, constitutional office, multicounty office, or county office;

(9) an individual who is nominated by, or seeking the nomination of, the qualified political party is not required to comply with Subsection 20A-9-201(1)(c);

(10) notwithstanding [Subsection 20A-9-403(3)] Subsections 20A-9-403(3) through (7), the qualified political party is entitled to have each of the qualified political party's candidates for elective office appear on the primary ballot of the qualified political party with an indication that each candidate is a candidate for the qualified political party;

(11) notwithstanding Subsection [20A-9-403(4)(a)] 20A-9-403(8)(a), the lieutenant governor shall include on the list provided by the lieutenant governor to the county clerks:

- 21 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (a) the names of all candidates of the qualified political party for federal, constitutional, multicounty, and county offices;

and (b) the names of unopposed candidates for elective office who have been nominated by the qualified political party and instruct the county clerks to exclude such candidates from the primary-election ballot;

(12) notwithstanding Subsection [20A-9-403(5)(c)] 20A-9-403(9)(c), a candidate who is unopposed for an elective office in the regular primary election of the qualified political party is nominated by the party for that office without appearing on the primary ballot;

and (13) notwithstanding the provisions of Subsections 20A-9-403(1) and (2) and Section 20A-9-405, the qualified political party is entitled to have the names of its candidates for elective office featured with party affiliation on the ballot at a regular general election.

20A-9-40820A-9-408. .

(a) except to the extent otherwise provided in Subsection [(13)(a)] (16)(a), during the applicable declaration of candidacy filing period described in Section 20A-9-201.5, and before gathering signatures under this section, file with the filing officer on a form approved by the lieutenant governor a notice of intent to gather signatures for -candidacy 19that -includes: 1st Sub.

(Buff) H.B.

27 01-24 20:06 candidacy that includes:

- 22 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (iii) the office for which the member is seeking to become a candidate;

(5) Notwithstanding Subsection 20A-9-202(3)(a)(iii), a lieutenant governor candidate who files as the joint-ticket running mate of an individual who is nominated by a qualified political party, under this section, for the office of governor shall, during the applicable -declaration 20of -candidacy 01-24filing 20:06period 1stdescribed Sub.in Section 20A-9-201.5, file a declaration of candidacy and submit a letter from the candidate for governor that names the lieutenant governor candidate as a joint-ticket running mate.

(Buff) H.B.

27 declaration of candidacy filing period described in Section 20A-9-201.5, file a declaration of candidacy and submit a letter from the candidate for governor that names the lieutenant governor candidate as a joint-ticket running mate.

- 23 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (7) Notwithstanding Subsection 20A-9-701(2), the ballot shall, for each candidate who is nominated by a qualified political party under this section, designate the qualified political party that nominated the candidate.

or (B) 3% of the registered voters of the qualified political party who are residents of -the 21applicable -State 1stBoard Sub.of Education district;

(Buff) H.B.

27 01-24 20:06 the applicable State Board of Education district;

(9)(a)(9) - 24 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (a) This Subsection (9) applies only to the manual candidate qualification process.

[(d)(i)[(d) (i) A registered voter who physically signs a form under Subsections (8) and (9)(b) may have the voter's signature removed from the form by, no later than 5 p.m.

three business days after the day on which the member submits the signature form to the election officer, submitting to the election officer a statement requesting that the voter's signature be removed.] [(ii) A statement described in Subsection (9)(d)(i) shall comply with the requirements described in Subsection 20A-1-1003(2).] [(iii) With the assistance of the county clerk as applicable, the election officer shall use the procedures described in Subsection 20A-1-1003(3) to determine whether to remove an individual's signature after receiving a timely, valid statement requesting removal of the signature.] - 2225 - 01-24HB0027 20:06compared 1stwith Sub.HB0027S01 [(e)] (d) (i) An election officer shall, in accordance with this Subsection [(9)(e)] (9)(d) and rules made under Section 20A-3a-106, conduct regular audits of signature comparisons made between signatures gathered under this section and voter signatures maintained by the election officer.

(Buff) H.B.

27 requesting that the voter's signature be removed.] [(ii) A statement described in Subsection (9)(d)(i) shall comply with the requirements described in Subsection 20A-1-1003(2).] [(iii) With the assistance of the county clerk as applicable, the election officer shall use the procedures described in Subsection 20A-1-1003(3) to determine whether to remove an individual's signature after receiving a timely, valid statement requesting removal of the signature.] [(e)] (d)(i) An election officer shall, in accordance with this Subsection [(9)(e)] (9)(d) and rules made under Section 20A-3a-106, conduct regular audits of signature comparisons made between signatures gathered under this section and voter signatures maintained by the election officer.

(10)(a)(10) (a) This Subsection (10) applies only to the electronic candidate qualification process.

-(b) 23In -order 1stfor Sub.a member of the qualified political party to qualify as a candidate for the qualified political party's nomination for an elective office under this section, the member shall, before the deadline described in Subsection [(12)] (15), collect signatures electronically:

(Buff) H.B.

27 01-24 20:06 (b) In order for a member of the qualified political party to qualify as a candidate for the qualified political party's nomination for an elective office under this section, the member shall, before the deadline described in Subsection [(12)] (15), collect signatures electronically:

- 26 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (c) Upon timely receipt of the signatures described in Subsections (8) and [(9)(b)] (10)(b), the election officer shall, no later than the earlier of 14 calendar days after the day on which the election officer receives the signatures, or [one day] seven calendar days before the day on which the qualified political party holds the convention to select a nominee for the elective office to which the signature packets relate:

(12)(a)(12) (a) A registered voter who physically signs a petition under Subsections (8) and (9)(b), or who electronically signs a petition under Subsections (8) and (10)(b), may have the voter's signature removed from the petition by, no later than 5 p.m.

three -business 24days -after 01-24the 20:06day 1ston Sub.which the election officer makes the posting described in Subsection (11)(a), submitting to the election officer a statement requesting that the voter's signature be removed.

(Buff)- H.B.27 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (b) A statement described in Subsection (12)(a) shall comply with the requirements described in Subsection 20A-1-1003(2).

27 business days after the day on which the election officer makes the posting described in Subsection (11)(a), submitting to the election officer a statement requesting that the voter's signature be removed.

(b) A statement described in Subsection (12)(a) shall comply with the requirements described in Subsection 20A-1-1003(2).

(13)(a)(13) (a) If an election officer timely receives a statement requesting signature removal under Subsection (12)(a) and determines that the signature should be removed from the petition under Subsection 20A-1-1003(3), the election officer shall:

[(11)] (14)(a)(14) (a) An individual may not gather signatures under this section until after the individual files a notice of intent to gather signatures for candidacy described in this section.

and (ii) subject to the same enforcement provisions, and civil and criminal penalties, that apply to a candidate for office in relation to the reporting requirements described in Subsection [(11)(b)(i)][(11)(b) (i)] (14)(b)(i).

(c) Upon timely receipt of the signatures described in Subsections (8) and (9)(b), or Subsections (8) and (10)(b), the election officer shall, no later than the day before the day on which the qualified political party holds the convention to select a nominee for the elective office to which the signature packets relate, notify the qualified political party and the lieutenant governor of the name of each - 28 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 member of the -qualified 25political -party 1stwho Sub.qualifies as a nominee of the qualified political party, under this section, for the elective office to which the convention relates.

(Buff) H.B.

27 01-24 20:06 qualified political party who qualifies as a nominee of the qualified political party, under this section, for the elective office to which the convention relates.

{Section 9.

Section 20A-9-408 is amended to read:

} 20A-9-408.

Signature-gathering process to seek the nomination of a qualified political party -- Removal of signature.

(1) This section describes the requirements for a member of a qualified political party who is seeking the nomination of the qualified political party for an elective office through the signature-gathering process described in this section.

(2) Notwithstanding Subsection 20A-9-201(7)(a), the form of the declaration of candidacy for a member of a qualified political party who is nominated by, or who is seeking the nomination of, the qualified political party under this section shall be substantially as described in Section 20A-9-408.5.

- 29 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (3) Notwithstanding Subsection 20A-9-202(1)(a), and except as provided in Subsection 20A-9-202(4), a member of a qualified political party who, under this section, is seeking the nomination of the qualified political party for an elective office that is to be filled at the next general election shall:

(a) during the declaration of candidacy filing period described in Section 20A-9-201.5, and before gathering signatures under this section, file with the filing officer on a form approved by the lieutenant governor a notice of intent to gather signatures for candidacy that includes:

(i) the name of the member who will attempt to become a candidate for a registered political party under this section;

(ii) the name of the registered political party for which the member is seeking nomination;

(iii) the office for which the member is seeking to become a candidate;

(iv) the address and telephone number of the member;

and (v) other information required by the lieutenant governor;

(b) except as provided in Subsection 20A-9-202(1)(c), file a declaration of candidacy, in person, with the filing officer during the declaration of candidacy filing period described in Section 20A-9-201.5;

and (c) pay the filing fee.

(4) Notwithstanding Subsection 20A-9-202(2)(a), a member of a qualified political party who, under this section, is seeking the nomination of the qualified political party for the office of district attorney within a multicounty prosecution district that is to be filled at the next general election shall:

(a) during the declaration of candidacy filing period described in Section 20A-9-201.5, and before gathering signatures under this section, file with the filing officer on a form approved by the lieutenant governor a notice of intent to gather signatures for candidacy that includes:

(i) the name of the member who will attempt to become a candidate for a registered political party under this section;

(ii) the name of the registered political party for which the member is seeking nomination;

(iii) the office for which the member is seeking to become a candidate;

(iv) the address and telephone number of the member;

and (v) other information required by the lieutenant governor;

- 30 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (b) except as provided in Subsection 20A-9-202(1)(c), file a declaration of candidacy, in person, with the filing officer during the declaration of candidacy filing period described in Section 20A-9-201.5;

and (c) pay the filing fee.

(5) Notwithstanding Subsection 20A-9-202(3)(a)(iii), a lieutenant governor candidate who files as the joint-ticket running mate of an individual who is nominated by a qualified political party, under this section, for the office of governor shall, during the declaration of candidacy filing period described in Section 20A-9-201.5, file a declaration of candidacy and submit a letter from the candidate for governor that names the lieutenant governor candidate as a joint-ticket running mate.

(6) The lieutenant governor shall ensure that the certification described in Subsection 20A-9-701(1) also includes the name of each candidate nominated by a qualified political party under this section.

(7) Notwithstanding Subsection 20A-9-701(2), the ballot shall, for each candidate who is nominated by a qualified political party under this section, designate the qualified political party that nominated the candidate.

(8) A member of a qualified political party may seek the nomination of the qualified political party for an elective office by:

(a) complying with the requirements described in this section;

and (b) collecting signatures, on a form approved by the lieutenant governor that complies with Subsection 20A-9-405(3), during the period beginning on the day on which the member files a notice of intent to gather signatures and ending at the deadline described in Subsection [(12)] (15), in the following amounts:

(i) for a statewide race, 28,000 signatures of registered voters in the state who are permitted by the qualified political party to vote for the qualified political party's candidates in a primary election;

(ii) for a congressional district race, 7,000 signatures of registered voters who are residents of the congressional district and are permitted by the qualified political party to vote for the qualified political party's candidates in a primary election;

(iii) for a state Senate district race, 2,000 signatures of registered voters who are residents of the state Senate district and are permitted by the qualified political party to vote for the qualified political party's candidates in a primary election;

- 31 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (iv) for a state House district race, 1,000 signatures of registered voters who are residents of the state House district and are permitted by the qualified political party to vote for the qualified political party's candidates in a primary election;

(v) for a State Board of Education race, the lesser of:

(A) 2,000 signatures of registered voters who are residents of the State Board of Education district and are permitted by the qualified political party to vote for the qualified political party's candidates in a primary election;

or (B) 3% of the registered voters of the qualified political party who are residents of the applicable State Board of Education district;

and (vi) for a county office race, signatures of 3% of the registered voters who are residents of the area permitted to vote for the county office and are permitted by the qualified political party to vote for the qualified political party's candidates in a primary election.

(9) (a) This Subsection (9) applies only to the manual candidate qualification process.

(b) In order for a member of the qualified political party to qualify as a candidate for the qualified political party's nomination for an elective office under this section, using the manual candidate qualification process, the member shall:

(i) collect the signatures on a form approved by the lieutenant governor, using the same circulation and verification requirements described in Sections 20A-7-105 and 20A-7-204;

and (ii) in accordance with Section 20A-9-408.3, submit the signatures to the election officer before the deadline described in Subsection [(12)] (15).

(c) Upon timely receipt of the signatures described in Subsections (8) and (9)(b), and in accordance with Section 20A-9-408.3, the election officer shall, no later than the earlier of 14 calendar days after the day on which the election officer receives the signatures, or [one day] seven calendar days before the day on which the qualified political party holds the convention to select a nominee for the elective office to which the signature packets relate:

(i) check the name of each individual who completes the verification for a signature packet to determine whether each individual is at least 18 years old;

(ii) submit the name of each individual described in Subsection (9)(c)(i) who is not at least 18 years old to the attorney general and the county attorney;

- 32 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (iii) with the assistance of the county clerk as applicable, determine whether each signer is a registered voter who is qualified to sign the petition, using the same method, described in Section 20A-1-1002, used to verify a signature on a petition;

and (iv) certify whether each name is that of a registered voter who is qualified to sign the signature packet.

[(d) (i) A registered voter who physically signs a form under Subsections (8) and (9)(b) may have the voter's signature removed from the form by, no later than 5 p.m.

three business days after the day on which the member submits the signature form to the election officer, submitting to the election officer a statement requesting that the voter's signature be removed.] [(ii) A statement described in Subsection (9)(d)(i) shall comply with the requirements described in Subsection 20A-1-1003(2).] [(iii) With the assistance of the county clerk as applicable, the election officer shall use the procedures described in Subsection 20A-1-1003(3) to determine whether to remove an individual's signature after receiving a timely, valid statement requesting removal of the signature.] [(e)] (d) (i) An election officer shall, in accordance with this Subsection [(9)(e)] (9)(d) and rules made under Section 20A-3a-106, conduct regular audits of signature comparisons made between signatures gathered under this section and voter signatures maintained by the election officer.

(ii) An individual who conducts an audit of signature comparisons under this section may not audit the individual's own work.

(iii) The election officer shall:

(A) audit 1% of all signature comparisons described in Subsection [(9)(e)(i)] (9)(d)(i) to determine the accuracy of the comparisons made;

(B) record the individuals who conducted the audit;

(C) record the audit results;

(D) provide additional training or staff reassignments, as needed, based on the results of an audit described in Subsection [(9)(e)(i)] (9)(d)(i);

and (E) record any remedial action taken.

(iv) The audit results described in Subsection [(9)(e)(iii)(C)] (9)(d)(iii)(C) are a public record.

[(f)] (e) An election officer who certifies signatures under Subsection (9)(c) or 20A-9-403(3)(d) shall, after certifying enough signatures to establish that a candidate has reached the applicable - 33 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 signature threshold described in Subsection (8) or 20A-9-403(3)(a), as applicable, continue to certify signatures submitted for the candidate in excess of the number of signatures required, until the election officer either:

(i) certifies signatures equal to 110% of the applicable signature threshold;

or (ii) has reviewed all signatures submitted for the candidate before reaching an amount equal to 110% of the applicable signature threshold.

(10) (a) This Subsection (10) applies only to the electronic candidate qualification process.

(b) In order for a member of the qualified political party to qualify as a candidate for the qualified political party's nomination for an elective office under this section, the member shall, before the deadline described in Subsection [(12)] (15), collect signatures electronically:

(i) in accordance with Section 20A-21-201;

and (ii) using progressive screens, in a format approved by the lieutenant governor, that complies with Subsection 20A-9-405(4).

(c) Upon timely receipt of the signatures described in Subsections (8) and [(9)(b)] (10)(b), the election officer shall, no later than the earlier of 14 calendar days after the day on which the election officer receives the signatures, or [one day] seven calendar days before the day on which the qualified political party holds the convention to select a nominee for the elective office to which the signature packets relate:

(i) check the name of each individual who completes the verification for a signature to determine whether each individual is at least 18 years old;

and (ii) submit the name of each individual described in Subsection (10)(c)(i) who is not at least 18 years old to the attorney general and the county attorney.

(11) Subject to Subsection (13)(a)(i), and notwithstanding Section 20A-2-104, an election officer shall, no later than one business day after the day on which the signature of an individual who signs a petition is verified under Subsection (9)(c) or Section 20A-21-201:

(a) post the individual's name, voter precinct number, and date of signature on the lieutenant governor's website, in a conspicuous location designated by the lieutenant governor, for at least 90 calendar days after the date of the primary election;

and - 34 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (b) if the individual's voter information in the voter registration database includes a valid email address, use an electronic notification system to send an email notice to the individual, informing the individual that:

(i) the individual's petition signature is verified;

(ii) the individual's name and voter information described in Subsection (11)(a) is posted on the lieutenant governor's website;

and (iii) the individual has until the deadline described in Subsection (12)(a) to submit a statement to the election officer, in accordance with Subsection 20A-1-1003(2), requesting that the individual's signature be removed from the petition.

(12) (a) A registered voter who physically signs a petition under Subsections (8) and (9)(b), or who electronically signs a petition under Subsections (8) and (10)(b), may have the voter's signature removed from the petition by, no later than 5 p.m.

three business days after the day on which the election officer makes the posting described in Subsection (11)(a), submitting to the election officer a statement requesting that the voter's signature be removed.

(b) A statement described in Subsection (12)(a) shall comply with the requirements described in Subsection 20A-1-1003(2).

(c) With the assistance of the county clerk as applicable, the election officer shall use the procedures described in Subsection 20A-1-1003(3) to determine whether to remove an individual's signature from a petition after receiving a timely, valid statement requesting removal of the signature.

(13) (a) If an election officer timely receives a statement requesting signature removal under Subsection (12)(a) and determines that the signature should be removed from the petition under Subsection 20A-1-1003(3), the election officer shall:

(i) remove the voter's name from the petition;

(ii) remove the voter's name, voter precinct number, and date of signature from the posting described in Subsection (11)(a);

and (iii) update the petition signature totals.

(b) The election officer shall comply with Subsection (13)(a) no later than 5 p.m.

the day before the day of the convention described in Subsection (14)(c).

[(11)] (14) - 35 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (a) An individual may not gather signatures under this section until after the individual files a notice of intent to gather signatures for candidacy described in this section.

(b) An individual who files a notice of intent to gather signatures for candidacy, described in Subsection (3)(a) or (4)(a), is, beginning on the day on which the individual files the notice of intent to gather signatures for candidacy:

(i) required to comply with the reporting requirements that a candidate for office is required to comply with;

and (ii) subject to the same enforcement provisions, and civil and criminal penalties, that apply to a candidate for office in relation to the reporting requirements described in Subsection [(11)(b) (i)] (14)(b)(i).

(c) Upon timely receipt of the signatures described in Subsections (8) and (9)(b), or Subsections (8) and (10)(b), the election officer shall, no later than the day before the day on which the qualified political party holds the convention to select a nominee for the elective office to which the signature packets relate, notify the qualified political party and the lieutenant governor of the name of each member of the qualified political party who qualifies as a nominee of the qualified political party, under this section, for the elective office to which the convention relates.

(d) Upon receipt of a notice of intent to gather signatures for candidacy described in this section, the lieutenant governor shall post the notice of intent to gather signatures for candidacy on the lieutenant governor's website in the same location that the lieutenant governor posts a declaration of candidacy.

[(12)] (15) The deadline before which a member of a qualified political party must collect and submit signatures to the election officer under this section is 5 p.m.

on the last business day that is at least [14] 21 calendar days before the day on which the qualified political party's convention for the office begins.

20A-9-50220A-9-502. .

"State of Utah, County of ______________________________________________ - 36 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 I, ______________, declare my intention of becoming an unaffiliated candidate for the political group designated as ____ for the office of ____.

that as a candidate at the next election I will not knowingly -violate 26any -election 01-24or 20:06campaign 1stlaw; Sub.

(Buff) H.B.

27 violate any election or campaign law;

(v) contain, to the right of the word "Warning," the following statement printed in not less than eight-point,eight- point, single leaded type:

- 37 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (vii) contain, to the right of the word "Notice," the following statement printed in not -less 27than -eight- 1stpoint, Sub.single leaded type:

(Buff) H.B.

27 01-24 20:06 less than eight-point, single leaded type:

[(vi)] (viii) contain the following statement directly under the statement described in Subsection [(1)(b)(v)][(1)(b) (v)] (1)(b)(vii):

If you choose not to provide it, your signature may not be certified as a valid signature if you change your address before petition -signatures 28are -certified 01-24or 20:06if 1stthe Sub.information you provide does not match your voter registration records.";

(Buff)and H.B.- 38 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (c) bind a final page to one or more signature sheets that are bound together that contains, except as provided by Subsection (3), the following printed statement:

27 signatures are certified or if the information you provide does not match your voter registration records.";

and (c) bind a final page to one or more signature sheets that are bound together that contains, except as provided by Subsection (3), the following printed statement:

(3)(a)(3) (a) The candidate shall circulate the nomination petition and ensure that the person in whose presence each signature sheet is signed:

(4)(a)(4) (a) It is unlawful for any person to:

or - 39 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (ii) sign the verification of a certificate of nomination signature sheet if the person:

(A) has not witnessed the signing by those persons whose names appear on the -certificate 29of -nomination 1stsignature Sub.sheet;

(Buff) H.B.

27 01-24 20:06 certificate of nomination signature sheet;

(5)(a)(5) (a) To qualify for placement on the general election ballot, the candidate shall, no earlier than the start of the applicable declaration of candidacy period described in Section 20A-9-201.5 and no later than 5 p.m.

- 40 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (f) The county clerk shall use the procedures described in Section 20A-1-1002 to -determine 30whether -a 01-24signer 20:06is 1sta Sub.registered voter who is qualified to sign the signature packet.

(Buff) H.B.

27 determine whether a signer is a registered voter who is qualified to sign the signature packet.

[(6)] (7)(a)(7) (a) A voter who signs a signature packet under this section may have the voter's signature removed from the signature packet by, no later than 5 p.m.

(8)(a)(8) (a) If a county clerk timely receives a statement requesting signature removal under Subsection (7)(a) and determines that the signature should be removed from the nomination petition under Subsection 20A-1-1003(3), the county clerk shall:

- 41 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (i) remove the voter's name from the nomination petition;

-(b) 31The -county 1stclerk Sub.shall comply with Subsection (8)(a) no later than five business days after the day on which the county clerk receives a statement requesting signature removal under Subsection (7) (a).

(Buff){Section H.B.10.

27Section 01-2420A-9-502 20:06is (b)amended Theto countyread: clerk shall comply with Subsection (8)(a) no later than five business days after the day on which the county clerk receives a statement requesting signature removal under Subsection (7)(a).

} 20A-9-502.

Certificate of nomination -- Contents -- Circulation -- Verification -- Criminal penalty -- Removal of petition signature.

(1) The candidate shall:

(a) prepare a certificate of nomination in substantially the following form:

"State of Utah, County of ______________________________________________ I, ______________, declare my intention of becoming an unaffiliated candidate for the political group designated as ____ for the office of ____.

I do solemnly swear that I can qualify to hold that office both legally and constitutionally if selected, and that I reside at ____ Street, in the city of ____, county of ____, state of ______, zip code ____, phone ____, and that I am providing, or have provided, the required number of holographic signatures of registered voters required by law;

that as a candidate at the next election I will not knowingly violate any election or campaign law;

that, if filing via a designated agent for an office other than president of the United States, I will be out of the state of Utah during the entire candidate filing period;

I will file all campaign financial disclosure reports as required by law;

and I understand that failure to do so will result in my disqualification as a candidate for this office and removal of my name from the ballot.

__________________________________________ Subscribed and sworn to before me this ______(month\day\year).

__________________________________________ Notary Public (or other officer qualified to administer oaths)";

(b) for each signature packet, bind signature sheets to a copy of the certificate of nomination and the circulator verification, that:

(i) are printed on sheets of paper 8-1/2 inches long and 11 inches wide;

- 42 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (ii) are ruled with a horizontal line 3/4 inch from the top, with the space above that line blank for the purpose of binding;

(iii) contain the name of the proposed candidate and the words "Unaffiliated Candidate Certificate of Nomination Petition" printed directly below the horizontal line;

(iv) contain the word "Warning" printed directly under the words described in Subsection (1)(b)(iii);

(v) contain, to the right of the word "Warning," the following statement printed in not less than eight- point, single leaded type:

"It is a class A misdemeanor for anyone to knowingly sign a certificate of nomination signature sheet with any name other than the person's own name or more than once for the same candidate or if the person is not registered to vote in this state and does not intend to become registered to vote in this state before the county clerk certifies the signatures.";

(vi) contain the word "Notice" printed directly beneath the words described in Subsection (1)(b)(v);

(vii) contain, to the right of the word "Notice," the following statement printed in not less than eight- point, single leaded type:

"Your name, voter precinct number, and date of signature may be publicly disclosed on the lieutenant governor's website if you sign this petition.

This disclosure may occur even if your voter registration record has been classified as a private record at your request.

If your voter registration information includes a valid email address, you will receive an email notifying you of the disclosure as well as information on how to remove your name from this petition.

To ensure your voter registration information contains a valid email address, please visit vote.utah.gov or the office of your county clerk.";

[(vi)] (viii) contain the following statement directly under the statement described in Subsection [(1)(b) (v)] (1)(v)(vii):

"Each signer says:

I have personally signed this petition with a holographic signature;

I am registered to vote in Utah or intend to become registered to vote in Utah before the county clerk certifies my signature;

and My street address is written correctly after my name.";

[(vii)] (ix) contain horizontally ruled lines, 3/8 inch apart under the statement described in Subsection [(1)(b)(vi)] (1)(b)(viii);

and [(viii)] (x) be vertically divided into columns as follows:

- 43 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (A) the first column shall appear at the extreme left of the sheet, be 5/8 inch wide, be headed with "For Office Use Only," and be subdivided with a light vertical line down the middle;

(B) the next column shall be 2-1/2 inches wide, headed "Registered Voter's Printed Name (must be legible to be counted)";

(C) the next column shall be 2-1/2 inches wide, headed "Holographic Signature of Registered Voter";

(D) the next column shall be one inch wide, headed "Birth Date or Age (Optional)";

(E) the final column shall be 4-3/8 inches wide, headed "Street Address, City, Zip Code";

and (F) at the bottom of the sheet, contain the following statement:

"Birth date or age information is not required, but it may be used to verify your identity with voter registration records.

If you choose not to provide it, your signature may not be certified as a valid signature if you change your address before petition signatures are certified or if the information you provide does not match your voter registration records.";

and (c) bind a final page to one or more signature sheets that are bound together that contains, except as provided by Subsection (3), the following printed statement:

"Verification State of Utah, County of ____ I, _______________, of ____, hereby state that:

I am at least 18 years old;

All the names that appear on the signature sheets bound to this page were signed by persons who professed to be the persons whose names appear on the signature sheets, and each of them signed the person's name on the signature sheets in my presence;

I believe that each has printed and signed the person's name and written the person's street address correctly, and that each signer is registered to vote in Utah or will register to vote in Utah before the county clerk certifies the signatures on the signature sheet.

______________________________________________________________________ (Signature) (Residence Address) (Date)["]." (2) An agent designated to file a certificate of nomination under Subsection 20A-9-503(2)(b) or (4)(b) may not sign the form described in Subsection (1)(a).

(3) (a) The candidate shall circulate the nomination petition and ensure that the person in whose presence each signature sheet is signed:

- 44 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (i) is at least 18 years old;

and (ii) verifies each signature sheet by completing the verification bound to one or more signature sheets that are bound together.

(b) A person may not sign the circulator verification if the person signed a signature sheet bound to the verification.

(4) (a) It is unlawful for any person to:

(i) knowingly sign a certificate of nomination signature sheet:

(A) with any name other than the person's own name;

(B) more than once for the same candidate;

or (C) if the person is not registered to vote in this state and does not intend to become registered to vote in this state before the county clerk certifies the signatures;

or (ii) sign the verification of a certificate of nomination signature sheet if the person:

(A) has not witnessed the signing by those persons whose names appear on the certificate of nomination signature sheet;

or (B) knows that a person whose signature appears on the certificate of nomination signature sheet is not registered to vote in this state and does not intend to become registered to vote in this state.

(b) Any person violating this Subsection (4) is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

(5) (a) To qualify for placement on the general election ballot, the candidate shall, no earlier than the start of the declaration of candidacy period described in Section 20A-9-201.5 and no later than 5 p.m.

on June 15 of the year in which the election will be held:

(i) comply with Subsection 20A-9-503(1);

and (ii) submit each signature packet to the county clerk where the majority of the signatures in the packet were collected, with signatures totaling:

(A) at least 1,000 registered voters residing within the state when the nomination is for an office to be filled by the voters of the entire state;

or (B) at least 300 registered voters residing within a political division or at least 5% of the registered voters residing within a political division, whichever is less, when the nomination is for an office to be filled by the voters of any political division smaller than the state.

- 45 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (b) A candidate has not complied with Subsection (5)(a)(ii), unless the county clerks verify that each required signature is a valid signature of a registered voter who is eligible to sign the signature packet and has not signed a signature packet to nominate another candidate for the same office.

(c) In reviewing the signature packets, the county clerk shall count and certify only those persons who signed with a holographic signature, who:

(i) are registered voters within the political division that the candidate seeks to represent;

and (ii) did not sign any other certificate of nomination for that office.

(d) The county clerk shall count and certify the number of registered voters who validly signed a signature packet, no later than 30 calendar days after the day on which the candidate submits the signature packet.

(e) The candidate may supplement the signatures or amend the certificate of nomination or declaration of candidacy at any time on or before 5 p.m.

on June 15 of the year in which the election will be held.

(f) The county clerk shall use the procedures described in Section 20A-1-1002 to determine whether a signer is a registered voter who is qualified to sign the signature packet.

(6) Subject to Subsection (8)(a)(i), and notwithstanding Section 20A-2-104, the county clerk shall, no later than one business day after the day on which the signature of a voter who signs a signature packet is verified under Subsection (5)(b):

(a) post the voter's name, voter precinct number, and date of signature on the lieutenant governor's website, in a conspicuous location designated by the lieutenant governor, for at least 90 calendar days after the date of the general election;

and (b) if the voter's voter information in the voter registration database includes a valid email address, use an electronic notification system to send an email notice to the voter, informing the voter that:

(i) the voter's nomination petition signature is verified;

(ii) the voter's name and voter information described in Subsection (6)(a) is posted on the lieutenant governor's website;

and (iii) the voter has until the deadline described in Subsection (7)(a) to submit a statement to the county clerk, in accordance with Subsection 20A-1-1003(2), requesting that the voter's signature be removed from the petition.

[(6)] (7) - 46 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (a) A voter who signs a signature packet under this section may have the voter's signature removed from the signature packet by, no later than 5 p.m.

three business days after the day on which [the candidate submits the signature packet to the county clerk] the county clerk makes the posting described in Subsection (6)(a), submitting to the county clerk a statement requesting that the voter's signature be removed.

(b) A statement described in Subsection [(6)(a)] (7)(a) shall comply with the requirements described in Subsection 20A-1-1003(2).

(c) The county clerk shall use the procedures described in Subsection 20A-1-1003(3) to determine whether to remove an individual's signature from a signature packet after receiving a timely, valid statement requesting removal of the signature.

(8) (a) If a county clerk timely receives a statement requesting signature removal under Subsection (7)(a) and determines that the signature should be removed from the nomination petition under Subsection 20A-1-1003(3), the county clerk shall:

(i) remove the voter's name from the nomination petition;

(ii) remove the voter's name, voter precinct number, and date of signature from the posting described in Subsection (7)(a);

and (iii) update the nomination petition signature totals.

(b) The county clerk shall comply with Subsection (8)(a) no later than five business days after the day on which the county clerk receives a statement requesting signature removal under Subsection (7) (a).

20A-9-70120A-9-701. .

- 47 - HB0027 compared with HB0027S01 (2) The names shall be certified by the lieutenant governor and shall be displayed on the ballot as they are provided on the candidate's declaration of candidacy.

Effective date.

1-17-26 2:12 PM - 3248 -