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Senate advances bill to allow presidential candidates on regular primary ballot (SB3004)
Summary
Senate sponsors described SB3004 as a technical change to let presidential candidates appear on Utah's regular statewide primary ballot, set filing requirements, require a $500 fee and clarify the primary winner is not automatically on the general-election ballot; the Senate voted to move the bill to third reading, 25–0.
Senate Bill 3,004, described by sponsor Senator Knudson as a set of technical changes to the Elections Code, was advanced to third reading on Oct. 3, 2011 after floor discussion and questions about potential costs.
Knudson told the Senate the bill would allow presidential candidates who wish to be considered in Utah to appear on the statewide regular primary ballot rather than requiring a separate presidential-only primary. Sponsor description highlighted five main components: requiring presidential candidates to file a declaration of candidacy in person or by designated agent during a specified declaration window; directing the Lieutenant Governor to develop a declaration-of-candidacy form for presidential candidates; imposing a $500 filing fee for presidential candidates; requiring the Lieutenant Governor to certify the primary winner to participating registered political parties; and clarifying that winning the primary is not automatic placement on the general-election ballot.
Debate on the floor included a fiscal question from Senator Jones about possible extra costs to counties and municipalities if the state held a separate presidential primary; Knudson and the sponsor said a separate presidential primary would cost approximately $3,000,000, and they reported that the Lieutenant Governor's office told them including presidential candidates on the regular primary ballot would not be expected to produce additional cost.
Senator Knudson moved that SB3004 be considered read for second and be scheduled for third reading; the Senate completed a roll-call announcement and the President announced SB3004 received 25 yea votes, 0 nay, and will be placed on the third-reading calendar.
The bill, as described on the Senate floor, would take effect immediately if passed; additional technical or implementing language would be handled through the usual amendment and committee processes.
Next steps: SB3004 will appear on the Senate's third-reading calendar; the Lieutenant Governor's office would be responsible for producing the required declaration form and for certification duties specified in the bill.
