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What you should know about Utah’s potential mandate for run-off primary elections

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Salt Lake City, Utah – After passing a committee vote, a bill that would require run-off primary elections will now be put to a vote on the House floor.

H.B. 231 was approved by a committee 9–4 on Thursday afternoon. It would require nominees who do not receive 50% of the vote in a primary to face off against the second-most-voted candidate in a subsequent run-off election.

According to the bill, county or municipal elections would not be impacted by these run-off elections; they would only be used for state and federal posts. Additionally, the run-off election would have to take place 35 days following the primary election.

The bill’s proponent, Rep. Jordan Teuscher (R-District 44), claims that it will be more equitable to ask voters again to confirm that they want a representative on the general ballot.

“I believe it is just to return to the electorate and ensure that a majority of the party’s members want [a candidate] to represent them on the general ballot,” Teuscher said. “That, in my opinion, is a good policy and more representative and Hippocratic in the process.”

Funding concerns were raised by a number of lawmakers throughout the bill’s consideration. Although he thought run-offs were a great concept, Rep. Paul Cutler (R-District 18) expressed reservations about how they would be funded.

“I think it’s a great idea. Great, I’d like to do it. The money is the problem,” Cutler said. When I consider this over a 20-year period, the property tax increase is $27 million. That’s how counties cover expenses. I’m fine with it if we can find a way to pay for it.

Another potential problem raised was turnout. Representatives are worried that the turnout for a runoff election might be lower than for the original primary. Rep. Douglas R. Welton expressed worries that holding multiple voting rounds could negate the second round’s goal by lowering turnout compared to the first primary.

Current and previous county clerks, as well as a representative from the Lt. Governor’s office, attended to voice their concerns about the measure during public discussion. Current Weber County clerk Ricky Hatch voiced worries about the turnout, financing, and timing.

Hatch informed committee members, “The timing is so tight that it leaves no room if there is a contest if there is a recount, it really is problematic.” “From the standpoint of a clerk, it truly worries us.”

As the committee prepared to vote on the issue, Tuescher opened by saying, “I love our clerks, I love working with them.” However, they can be a bit of a pain in the ass. They refuse to do anything whenever we present them with a challenge. I understand that change is really difficult, but we can work this out.

After passing the committee, the bill will be put to a vote on the House floor and must then pass the Senate to become law.

 

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