2025 Utah Republican Party Organizing Convention
Proposed Rules

Rules Committee

Gina Howard Worthen - Cache County (chair), Peter Greathouse - Millard County (vice-chair), Jaime Munns - Box Elder County

A. PURPOSE

1.This Organizing Convention shall nominate Republican Party candidates for State Party Chair, State Party Vice Chair, State Party Secretary and State Party Treasurer.

2. In addition, the Organizing Convention shall conduct party business including amendments to the State Party Constitution and State Party Bylaws, and shall consider the adoption of proposed Resolutions.

B. CALL

1. The Utah Republican Party State Organizing Convention shall convene at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the UCCU Center, UVU campus, located at 800 W. University Parkway, Orem, UT.

2. Only properly credentialed state delegates shall vote in the elections.

3. Credentialing shall begin at 7:30 a.m., Saturday, May 17, 2025.

C. RULES OF ORDER

1. The State Party Constitution and Bylaws, these Rules and the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order shall govern this Convention. These rules shall govern any conflict with Robert's Rules.

2. The applicable Convention Rules defined in the bylaws shall not be altered or suspended, save by properly noticed Constitution or Bylaw amendment, except the rules may be modified for the purpose of accommodating venue rules.

D. ORDER OF BUSINESS

1. The order of business of this convention shall follow the agenda adopted by the delegates.

2. All challenges to the qualifications of an individual delegate to serve must be received in writing by 5:00 p.m. at State Party Headquarters three days prior to the day of the Convention (May 14, 2025.)

3. The Credentials Committee shall attempt to contact challenged delegates to resolve any disputes and shall make a report for Convention adoption.

4. The Credentials Committee report shall be the first order of business of the Convention.

5. Debate time for the adoption of the agenda shall be limited to 15 minutes.

6. Debate time for the adoption of the rules shall be limited to 15 minutes.

E. SEATING AND ADMISSION

1. Members of the public and media will be admitted to the convention hall to view the proceedings, as long as they follow proper conduct and the directions of the Convention Chair, Sergeant- of-Arms, and the Convention Committee.

2. Only state delegates may participate in the business of the Convention; however, the Convention Chair may invite any individual to address the Convention.

3. In the hall, seating shall be organized by county with a separate area for visitors and media. Only credentialed media members may sit in the media section. A media credential card is non-transferable and must be obtained before the Convention from the Convention Committee’s Media Coordinator.

4. Each delegate to this convention will be issued a credential card that is non-transferable and must be displayed at the time of balloting and any voting. In the event the party provides devices for electronic voting, the device or scantron ballot is non-transferable. Each delegate who does not return their voting device will have to pay money to the Utah RepublicanParty to cover any and all costs and penalties associated with replacing the device.

5. The list of delegates maintained by the Credentials Committee is deemed to be the official list of delegates for the Convention.

6. Any changes to the delegate list must be reported to the Credentials Committee by the respective county chair or their pre-designated representative by the deadline to change delegates.

F. RECOGNITION TO SPEAK

1. A delegate must state his or her name and county and be recognized by the Convention Chair before speaking on Convention business.

2. No delegate may speak more than once or longer than two (2) minutes upon the same question, unless allowed by a majority of the Convention.

3. The Convention Chair may invite other individuals to address the Convention.

G. RESOLUTIONS

1. Only Resolutions that have been submitted in writing with seconding endorsements from at least five state delegates other than the sponsor and received at the Republican State Party Headquarters no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Thursday which occurs 28 days prior the the State Convention (April 17, 2025), shall be presented to the Resolutions Committee for review. There shall be a limit of no more than two resolutions sponsored by any one delegate.

2. The Resolutions Committee will meet with resolution proponents to discuss the resolutions preceding the Convention at Republican Party Headquarters.

3. The Resolutions Committee shall forward non-redundant, significant resolutions to the Convention for consideration.

4. Resolutions may only be made during the time specified in the agenda approved by the Convention. The Convention may determine, by a majority vote, the order in which resolutions shall be considered. The debate and summation time for each amendment and resolution shall be determined by the Convention agenda. Equal debate time shall be allowed for proponents and opponents of the motion.

5. Unless determined otherwise, the time deemed by the agenda for each separate amendment and resolution shall be no more than six (6) minutes of total debate time, unless extended by a majority of the Convention, as follows: One (1) minute introduction for the sponsor, then alternating periods of one (1) minute for each side followed by 30 seconds for sponsor summation. The debate time shall be exclusive of the time required to move and read the resolution, and the time for summation.

6. Substitutions, amendments, or any other changes to proposed Resolutions shall not be considered at the Convention. Resolutions shall not be divided.

7. If amendments to proposed Resolutions are permitted, the amendments must be delivered to the Convention Chair in writing at the time of, or prior to, making the motion.

H. CONSTITUTION, BYLAWS, AND RULES AMENDMENTS

1. In order to be considered at the Convention, amendments to the Party Constitution, and proposed changes to the Bylaws and Convention Rules must be received in writing by 5:00 p.m. on the Thursday which occurs 28 days prior to the State Convention (Thursday, April 17, 2025), at Republican State Party Headquarters.

2. The Constitution & Bylaws Committee shall forward those duly submitted Constitution and Bylaw amendments either to the Convention or to the State Central Committee for consideration, and shall forward those duly submitted other Rules amendments to the Convention.

3. The Constitution & Bylaws Committee shall make an introductory report, including its recommendation, for each proposal immediately prior to debate on the respective proposal.

4. The debate and summation time for each amendment and bylaw change shall be determined by the Convention agenda. Equal debate time shall be allowed for proponents and opponents of the motion.

6. Substitutions, amendments, or any other changes to Constitution and Bylaw proposals shall not be considered at the Convention. Constitution and Bylaw proposals shall not be divided.

7. If amendments to proposed Constitution or Bylaw changes are permitted, the amendments must be delivered to the Convention Chair in writing at the time of, or prior to making the motion.

I. CANDIDATE RULES AND REQUIREMENTS

1. Only Republican candidates who have properly filed for party office who meet the requirements of the Utah Republican Party Bylaws shall be considered by the Convention. In accordance with Party Bylaws, all candidates shall have filed a letter of intent and disclosure statement at State Party Headquarters no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Thursday which occurs 28 days prior to the State Convention (April 17, 2025.)

2. Signage and distribution of literature rules shall be established by the Rules Committee, Convention Officers and the host facility.

3. The Candidate or his/her representative shall sign a document which states they have read and understand the CANDIDATE RULES AND REQUIREMENTS.

4. Candidates will observe proper decorum, subject to the ruling of the Convention Chair.

5. All Candidates, special interest groups, and other organized groups shall pay a $300 refundable cleaning deposit before the Convention.

6. Anyone distributing materials at the Convention shall be responsible to remove their materials after the Convention, from the facility and the parking area. Clean-up is required in order to have the $300 refundable cleaning fee returned.

7. Basic rules apply to all who have paid the $300 refundable cleaning fee. (The intent is to have fairness and to treat all equally.)

8. Any and all literature distributed must prominently display a disclaimer identifying the responsible person or organization and phone number and be clearly printed on the material. Any literature being distributed without this disclosure may be removed from the premises.

J. NOMINATIONS

1. Opposed candidates shall be allowed 5 minutes for presentation.

2. Candidate speeches may not be used to personally disparage any campaign or candidate.

3. Candidates are not required to have a nomination or second but may if they so desire. The total time limit remains the same regardless.

4. The order of presentation shall be determined by random drawing.

5. The intent and goal of the convention is to have a fair process through which all candidates are treated equally.

6. In Multiple Round Balloting, prior to a second or subsequent round of balloting, remaining candidates shall be allowed one (1) minute each for additional presentation, if they desire.

K. PHYSICAL ARRANGEMENTS

1. Candidates and organizations are responsible for observance of these rules by their staff, campaigns, committees, supporters and delegates. Violations may result in forfeiture of deposits and removal of all signs of the violating group or individual. Each candidate or organization is responsible for the clean-up of anything produced by, distributed by, or bearing the name of that candidate or organization.

2. Candidates and organizations will have access to the convention hall for booth and signage set up as scheduled by the Utah Republican Party.

3. Signage:

a. Schedule for setup and sign take-down will be available from the State Republican Headquarters two weeks prior to the Convention (Friday, May 2, 2025.)

b. Candidates and organizations may put up their signage no earlier than scheduled by the Utah Republican Party.

c. Both indoor and outdoor sign arrangements must remain in designated areas only and must comply with facility rules as well as instructions from the Utah Republican Party and Rules Committee. The Utah Republican Party staff, the Rules Committee members, and the host facility staff may move any signs that do not comply with the rules or that are not in designated areas.

d. No signs may appear in or around the staging area of the Convention.

e. Signs and campaign materials may not block any exit, service outlets, or fire extinguishers. Aisles, corridors, passages, vestibules, elevators and stairways shall be kept free and clear of obstructions and shall be used only for ingress and egress. No signs may be placed within 10 feet of an exterior door. No signs may be affixed to or hang from the outside of the building, lamp posts, sign posts, fences or trees. No signs are allowed in the parking areas, or on the sidewalks.

f. Nothing may be affixed to any surface at the Convention Center or any part of the facility grounds.

4. Booths:

a. All booth space, including the setting up of any tables inside or outside the Convention Center, must be obtained from or approved by the Utah Republican Party.

b. Booth location will be chosen by lottery on April 21, 2025.

c. Booths shall not be taken down until the Convention is officially adjourned on Saturday.

d. Candidates and organizations renting booth space shall sign the Convention Booth Rental Terms Agreement with the Utah Republican Party.

5. No campaigning or electioneering will be allowed within 10 feet of the credentialing, registration, or balloting areas.

6. All decorative materials must be flame proof and in accordance with fire regulations.

7. Projections (images projected electronically) are allowed only on surfaces directly above or immediately behind rented booth space by the candidate or organization that reserved that space, or as part of a media presentation if included in individual candidate’s speaking time by the candidate designated to speak.

8. Items Not Allowed: The following are not allowed inside or outside the facility: helium balloons, confetti, glitter, hay/straw, drones, flammable crepe paper and tissue paper decor, any flammable materials, animals (with the exception of service animals for disabled individuals.)

9. Food: Distribution of food must follow the rules of the host facility and be approved in advance by the Utah Republican Party.

10. Distribution of Material:

a. There shall be no restrictions on the distribution of printed material, except that materials may not be pre-distributed on the chairs in the convention hall.

b. All printed material shall have a disclaimer identifying the responsible person or organization and a valid phone number that must be clearly printed on the material. Any literature being distributed without this disclosure may be removed from the premises.

c. No material shall be distributed which is deemed to be indecent, obscene, or immoral, including nudity and graphic obscenities. Such material shall be removed.

d. For safety, individuals passing out printed materials may not restrict the flow of people into or out of the facility, especially around the entrance/exit doors.

e. Materials may only be distributed in areas designated by the facility and the Utah Republican Party. Only the Utah Republican Party may distribute materials in the Convention’s main assembly hall, or in any area where voting occurs.

f. Candidates, organizations and individuals using the Convention for distribution, campaigning or any other promotional or reporting use shall be responsible to research and comply with the hosting facility’s policies and procedures and the Rules and Arrangements Committees’ requirements.

11. Any video or other recording and its purpose at the Convention shall be disclosed in advance to and receive the approval of the Convention Committee or the Convention Chair, and if required, the Convention venue host.

12. The Convention Committee may limit access badges for certain areas.

13. The Rules Committee may make alterations or amendments to this section of the rules as needed to meet demands of the host facility and the Utah Republican Party.

14. The Utah Republican Party is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure any officer, delegate or member of the public that is disabled is provided with full and equal access and enjoyment in conventions. When provided sufficient advance notice, the Utah Republican Party will provide reasonable accommodations necessary to ensure equal opportunities for participation.

L. QUORUM

1. Any number of credentialed state delegates shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of transacting business except that a majority of those credentialed shall be required to consider Resolutions and changes to the Party Constitution or Bylaws.

M. GENERAL VOTING RULES

1. Convention General Voting

a. Other than the election of candidates or other balloting as noticed in the convention call, voting shall be by voice, by a show of delegate credentials, paper, electronic device, or scantron ballot. Only ballots supplied by the Utah Republican Party shall be recognized and used as legitimate, official ballots for voting.

b. When it is clear that there has been a full vote and there can be no reasonable doubt as to which side prevailed, the Convention Chair may not recognize a call for division.

c. The first call for division shall be recognized if 25 delegates rise to support it. This first call shall be considered to be a call for a vote by show of credentials judged by the Convention Chair.

d. After the ruling on the vote by show of credentials, a second call for division shall be accepted if 50 delegates stand in support. This division shall be an actual count of the delegates.

e.Suspension of a Convention Rule shall be by a 2/3 majority of delegates present with a quorum present.

f. There will be no absentee or proxy voting.

g. The Credentials Committee, directly after opening ceremonies, shall make a preliminary report, reporting the number of delegates registered as present with proper credentials. A final report shall be made immediately preceding candidate speeches.

h. The Elections Committee shall ensure the ability to cast a ballot. If delegates lose their keypad or paper ballot, they will not receive a replacement and will have no means of voting.

i. In all races, the total number of ballots cast for each candidate shall be reported to the Convention.

j. Ballots shall be cast as directed by the Elections Committee.

k. The chosen system and method of voting for convention elections shall:

1. Track and report on every ballot that is issued;

2. Mark every ballot with a unique identifier that does not identify the voter, but can be recorded by the voter;

3. Not associate, directly or indirectly, the voter with the unique identifier on the ballot;

4. Detect and report fraudulent ballots;

5. Report the vote(s) and unique identifier of every ballot;

6. Be externally auditable, independent of the system.

N. PARTY OFFICER VOTING

1. Unopposed candidates shall be declared the winner by the Convention Chair.

2. In contested Party Officer races, candidate names shall appear on the ballot by random drawing at least seven (7) days before the Convention. Each letter of the alphabet shall be randomly drawn. The order in which the letters are drawn shall be the order in which they appear on the ballot. The names of the candidates shall be alphabetized within each individual letter group. The result of this random drawing will also be used to determine speaking order. The random alphabet drawing was held on March 14, 2024.The results of the drawing are:

E N H W Q X F G J R C P U V M A S K I YO Z T D L B

3. After candidate speeches, voting will be conducted when the Convention Chair calls for the vote.

4. It is the prerogative of the Convention Chair to open and close balloting at appropriate times.

5. Voting will be done by paper ballot OR electronic device.

6. Electronic Keypads: Delegates will be given the opportunity to verify their electronic keypad is working properly by conducting test votes. If an electronic keypad is deemed faulty the delegate will exchange it for one that works properly. Upon verification, delegates shall cast their ballots electronically in the contested races that are balloted through electronic voting.

7. Ballots: (a) containing more than one (1) vote in a race unless instructed by the Convention Chair to mark more than one candidate; or (b) which are not clearly marked; or (c) with a vote for any person who was not properly nominated; or (d) for a candidate who has withdrawn or been eliminated from the race; will be considered spoiled and will not be counted for that race, either for a candidate or in the calculation of a majority threshold. Spoiled paper ballots may be exchanged prior to deposit in the ballot box upon the showing of proper credentials and the surrendering of the spoiled ballot at the “Spoiled Ballot Desk(s)” where the spoiled ballot shall be exchanged and immediately destroyed in the presence of the requesting voter. Only State Delegates, upon presentation of proper credentials, will be allowed to deposit their own ballots in the designated ballot boxes when casting a paper ballot.

8. Party Officers shall be elected by majority vote using a single or multiple round election method.

O. COUNTING ROOM & RESULTS

1. The Elections Committee Chairperson is responsible for the ballot counting room, poll watchers and electronic keypads.

2. The Elections Committee Chair shall be responsible for the security of the ballots, ballot boxes, the accuracy of the count, and directing the access and conduct of all persons within the ballot counting room.

3. The Elections Chairperson is responsible for any complaints and has the authority to take any concerns to the Convention Chair.

4. Cameras, cell phones and other recording and communication devices are not allowed in the ballot counting room, except as allowed by the Elections Chair. However, ballot counters or poll watchers may not have these devices. Poll watchers’ belongings such as purses, wallets, and all forms of electronics must be stored in a secure area.

5. Each opposed candidate for State Party Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be permitted to have one poll watcher. This observer may not leave the ballot counting room before the vote tally for that office has been announced to the Convention.

6. Poll watchers who bring electronics into the ballot counting room or break any other associated rule are immediately disqualified from the Convention and may be asked to leave.

7. Ballot counting shall not commence until after polls have been closed for at least five (5) minutes. Challenges to balloting must be made to the Convention Chair or Designee before that time expires.

8. For paper ballots, all ballots shall be examined, and each properly cast ballot shall be individually counted and the vote recorded. Official tally sheets shall be used to record each counted vote, and will be kept with the supporting ballots. These materials shall be preserved by the Party Officers in a secure location for at least five (5) business days following the Convention (May 23, 2025.)

9. In the event that three or more candidates are nominated for the same Party Office, the first ballot shall be used to reduce the number of candidates to three if more than three candidates participate or by one if three participate. Each round shall drop one candidate until one receives a majority vote. In the event the final two candidates tie at 50% a coin toss shall be used to determine the winner.

10. Any challenges to the counting process must be made to the Elections Committee Chair before the election results of that race are announced.

11. Any candidate requesting a recount of an election must file a request in writing to the Elections Committee Chair by 5:00 pm two (2) business days following the Convention (May 20, 2025.) Recounts may only be brought if they might legitimately affect the outcome of the Election.

12. If a coin toss was used to determine the winner, no challenge or recount will be accepted.

13. A unique ID and the votes associated with it shall be posted online so delegates can verify their votes. This information should be posted on the party’s website as soon as practical and should remain available for at least two weeks.

14. Interfering with the elections in any way or form will not be tolerated. Anyone found seeking to interfere with the elections in any way, shall be removed from the convention and referred for disciplinary action.

15. The Elections Committee may conduct an audit using (a) method(s) of their choosing, including using professional precision scales to weigh ballots. The method of calculating votes by weight shall only be used for an audit, and shall not be the official vote count.

P. CREDENTIALS

1. Challenges pertaining to state delegate credentials or eligibility must be received in writing at State Party Headquarters no later than 5:00 p.m. three days prior to the State Convention (May 14, 2025.) The Credentials Committee report shall be the first order of business at the convention. Nothing in this provision shall prohibit any delegate from moving an amendment to the credentials report at the convention. No challenges will be sustained against delegates who were selected according to their county's rules.

2. Counties shall submit a current, updated and final list of state delegates to the State Party no later than 12:00 a.m. eight days before the State Organizing Convention (May 9, 2025.) Changes to the list of delegates must be submitted to the Credentials Committee by the respective county chair or their pre-designated representative by the deadline to change delegates.

3. The list of delegates maintained by the Credentials Committee is deemed to be the official list of delegates for the Convention.

4. The personal information scanned for delegate check-in shall not be kept or used by a vendor, third-party or the Utah Republican Party for any purpose other than delegate check-in for the 2025 State Convention.

2025 Utah Republican Party Organizing ConventionProposed Rules

Be Respectful and Considerate of others in attendance.

2025 Utah Republican Party Organizing Convention
Proposed Rules