ELECTIONS, POLITICS, & GOVERNMENT

Utah lawmaker proposal would lower signature requirements for political office

Jan 15, 2025, 6:00 AM

Generic image of signature counting. The man hired by Bruce Hough's campaign to gather signatures f...

FILE: A pair of hands counting piles of ballot papers during an election. (Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah lawmaker wants to reduce the signature requirements for someone to run for office in the state if they’re not going through the caucus/convention system.

According to Rep. Ray Ward, R-Bountiful, the number of signatures needed in Utah is much higher than it is in other states.

Related:  Auditor review of signature-gathering boosts confidence in primary

“Our signature thresholds here are much much much higher,” Ward said. “They are ten times higher than the signature thresholds in other states to run for office, on average.”U

Utah signature requirements are too tough, lawmaker said

Ward said the current requirements allow only two groups to successfully run for office: wealthy people who can pay for help gathering signatures and people whose priorities line up perfectly with the delegates in their district.

The proposed bill, H.B. 193 Ballot Signature Amendments, would lower the number of signatures required for candidates running for a state-wide position like governor or U.S. senator. The current number is 28,000 signatures. Ward wants to lower that number to 1,000.

Ward’s bill would also lower the number of signatures necessary for other political offices.

“I think it would encourage more candidates to run who really are good matches for the voters in their district.”

Ward said the hardest part about running for office should be winning the election, not getting on the ballot.

The 2025 Utah Legislative Session begins  Tuesday, Jan. 21.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Elections, Politics, & Government

FILE- A large soft drink with a plastic straw from a McDonald's restaurant is shown in Surfside, Fl...

Associated Press

Trump pushes for plastic straws, declares paper ones ‘don’t work’

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is moving to reverse a federal push away from plastic straws, declaring that paper straws “don’t work.” Trump signed an executive order Monday, saying: “It’s a ridiculous situation. We’re going back to plastic straws” The move by Trump — who has long railed against paper straws, and whose 2019 […]

11 hours ago

The U.S. Capitol is seen, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

Privilege tax may be added to the Point of the Mountain

A proposed bill may bring a privilege tax to the Point of the Mountain development.

24 hours ago

utah capitol building. ‘You are inviting rapists to Utah’: Survivor urges lawmakers to consider...

DANIELLA RIVERA

‘You are inviting rapists to Utah’: Survivor urges lawmakers to consider consent bill

Just a small fraction of reported sexual assaults in Utah lead to rape charges filed in court, but year after year, a proposed solution has been met with resistance by lawmakers or ignored entirely on Capitol Hill.

2 days ago

FILE - Utah Capitol building. Utah lawmakers begin 2025 session. Utah Legislature is again in sessi...

Greg Skordas

The ‘great men and women’ of Utah Legislature need to take a step back, says legal analyst

The Utah Legislature is again in session and once again, attempting to increase their already overwhelming power. The 2025 Legislative session is another example of their power grab.

2 days ago

Utah flag flying in the wind. A Utah bill known as SB204 could make it harder for judges to block c...

Adam Small

Utah bill could make it harder for judges to block laws that appear unconstitutional

A bill known as SB204 could make it harder for a judge to block laws that appear unconstitutional.

4 days ago

With President Donald Trump moving to abolish the Department of Education, how will it affect Utah'...

Devin Oldroyd

How would education in Utah be affected if Department of Education is abolished?

With President Donald Trump moving to abolish the Department of Education, how will it affect Utah's public and higher education systems?

4 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Utah lawmaker proposal would lower signature requirements for political office