Resolution to Amend Utah Code
To Make Participation in a Primary Election Optional for an RPP
Sponsored by Lowell Nelson
Adopted by the State Central Committee on January 10, 2026
WHEREAS, Utah Code Title 20A-9-403(2)(a)(i) requires that a registered political party (RPP) EITHER participate in a primary election, OR agree that none of its candidates will be on the general election ballot, to wit:
20A-9-403(2)(a) Each registered political party, in a statement filed with the lieutenant governor, shall: (i) either declare the registered political party's intent to participate in the next regular primary election or declare that the registered political party chooses not to have the names of the registered political party's candidates for elective office featured on the ballot at the next regular general election; and,
WHEREAS, Choosing not to participate in the regular primary election is tantamount to suicide for an RPP (because it ceases to be a continuing political party and will lose RPP status if its candidates do not receive a certain number of votes in the general election); and,
WHEREAS, The following amendment will make participation in a regular primary election optional for an RPP:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Utah Republican Party (URP) calls upon the Utah legislature and governor to amend the Utah Code as indicated above, or by equivalent amendment to achieve this same intent, along with any conforming changes thereby necessitated, during the 2026 General Session.
AND BE IT RESOLVED, that the party chair transmit this resolution within five business days to the Republican members of the Utah House and Utah Senate, to the attorney general, and to the governor.
Sponsor: Lowell Nelson