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Utah Senate rejects constitutional amendment to enshrine political parties’ choice over candidate-selection processes
Summary
After extended floor debate over whether political parties should have constitutional protection to set their own candidate-selection processes, the Utah Senate rejected SJR 2 on a roll-call vote. Lawmakers argued about potential exclusionary effects and limits on voter rights.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Senate debated a proposed constitutional amendment, Senate Joint Resolution 2, that would explicitly recognize a political party’s right to determine how it places candidates on the ballot, then rejected the resolution on a roll-call vote.
Senator Deidre Jenkins (sponsor) defended the amendment as a clarification of parties’ ability to set their internal processes. “I have the right to determine the pathway to put my or my candidate on the ballot,” Jenkins said on the floor, arguing the change would allow parties to choose means such as primaries, conventions or other selection methods.
Opponents warned the amendment could permit private parties to adopt…
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