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Panel approves rules for nicknames and ballot names after clerks seek clarity
Summary
Senate Bill 54 (first substitute) would set a process for how names appear on ballots, allowing common nicknames when supported by affidavits and giving election officials discretion to reject spurious or offensive names; the committee favorably recommended the bill.
Senate Bill 54 (first substitute) would create a structured process for how a candidate’s name may appear on the ballot, aiming to reduce inconsistent local practice following the recent presidential election.
Under the bill, the default ballot name is a candidate’s legal first and last name. A candidate may use a different commonly‑used name or nickname if five community members in the candidate’s county sign an affidavit attesting that the alternate name is how the person is commonly known. County election officials would retain authority to reject names that are spurious, offensive or likely to cause voter confusion.
Weber County Clerk Ricky Hatch and the clerks’ legislative committee told the committee they worked with the sponsors and support the bill as a balanced approach between permissive systems and overly restrictive rules. Committee members questioned whether the standard (five affidavits) might be too low and how the statute would treat nicknames that might be slanted or politically loaded; clerks said officials will assess whether a requested name is effectively a slogan or otherwise inappropriate.
Representative Hayes moved to favorably recommend SB 54 first sub; the committee approved the motion by voice vote.
