Primaries
In Utah, primary elections are how voters determine which candidates in each party will be candidates for state and local offices on the November ballot.
Primary turnoutAbout a quarter
Only about a quarter of Utahns vote in primary elections, so every vote makes a difference.
Voting in a Primary
Republican primary
Members only
To vote in the Republican party, you must be a member of that party.
Democratic primary
Open to anyone who asks
The Democratic primary is open to anyone who requests a ballot.
But remember, you can only vote in one primary.
Getting your ballot
Ballots are sent automatically to voters who are affiliated with a party. If you are not an official member of a political party, request a ballot from your county clerk to vote by mail.
How Candidates Get on the Ballot
Candidates can appear on primary ballots in one of two ways: by collecting signatures, or through the caucus system.
Caucuses
Caucus turnoutAround 10%
A caucus is a local neighborhood meeting where registered members of a political party get together to elect delegates and discuss priorities. Delegates go on to their party’s nominating convention, where they vote on which candidates the party should put on the primary ballot.
Turnout at caucuses is low (around 10% of Utahns), so your voice really matters!
To attend a caucus
- 1
Register for a political party.
- 2
Then watch local news and party websites during the spring to find out where and when the caucus meeting will take place.