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Senate concurs with House to lower new-party registration threshold to 2,000 voters
Summary
The Utah Senate concurred with a House amendment to first substitute SB 78, lowering the number of registered voters required to form a political party to 2,000; the concurrence motion passed with a roll call and the bill was returned to the House for enrollment.
The Utah Senate voted to concur with House amendments to first substitute Senate Bill 78 (election law) on March 4, 1997, changing the statutory threshold for forming a new political party. Sponsor Senator Suazo explained that the bill, as amended, reduces the requirement to 2,000 registered voters.
Why it matters: The change lowers the barrier to formally organizing a political party in Utah, potentially making it easier for third parties or new political movements to gain official status and ballot access.
What the Senate did: Senator Suazo moved to concur with the House amendment (which reduced a committee-amended threshold from 5,000 to 2,000). The motion to concur was called, no extended floor debate followed, and the motion passed. Later a roll-call on final passage was completed; the first substitute Senate Bill 78 received the required votes and will be returned to the House for further action and enrollment.
Representative quote: "2,000 registered voters, is all that would be required." — Senator Suazo
Next steps: The measure returns to the House and proceeds through enrollment for final transmission as required by legislative procedure.
