Senate advances framework for closed primaries; First Substitute House Bill 44 moves to third reading

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Senate on Feb. 28 advanced First Substitute House Bill 44, a measure that lays out how county clerks would run a closed primary if a political party elects to hold one.

Senator Valentine, who presented the bill, said, "This bill is not about the philosophical issue of whether to have an open or closed primary. It's about how you would conduct a closed primary if a political party of this state chose to have a closed primary." He told senators the measure was drafted with input from county clerks and the elections office and would provide a methodology for administering a closed primary.

The bill requires that on or after May 1, 2000, any new registrant must either declare a party affiliation or choose to remain unaffiliated; those who remain unaffiliated could later affiliate in order to vote in a party’s closed primary. Senator Valentine emphasized that the decision to hold a closed primary is for the party to make, not the Legislature.

Senator May raised objections during debate, saying the change would "disenfranchise" independent voters and estimated that roughly 40% of Utah voters identify as independent and could be excluded from party primaries if parties opt for a closed process. In response, Valentine said registrants may remain unaffiliated and that the bill simply provides a framework should a party request a closed primary.

After debate, senators called the question and held a roll-call vote; the clerk reported 16 ayes, 12 nays and one absent. The bill was reported to the third-reading calendar.

The next procedural step is third reading in the Senate, where the bill will be considered again before final passage or further action.