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House debate centers on bill to let parties decide primary access; sponsor says it merely provides a mechanism
Summary
Lawmakers debated a bill that would give statewide political parties a mechanism to restrict who may vote in their primaries, with sponsors saying it mirrors the Western States primary and opponents warning it could depress turnout among unaffiliated voters.
The Utah House of Representatives spent significant floor time debating a bill meant to give political parties authority over primary access, with sponsors insisting the measure only supplies an administrative mechanism and opponents warning of voter alienation.
The bill’s sponsor, Representative Wray, told colleagues the proposal "does not close primaries" but merely "give[s] autonomy, local decision making to the parties," and that the language mirrors the Western States primary. Wray said the measure is narrowly focused on allowing parties to implement their choice of primary procedures and that the lieutenant governor would direct county clerks to carry out any…
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