CHAPTER6
MUNICIPALELECTIONS
Each countyelectionofficeshould providemunicipalitiesinthat countywiththelatesteditionofUtah Election
Laws each year.The entireUtah StateCodecan be found on-lineat
Page
TABLE OF CONTENTS…………………………………………………………………………………i– ii
1.GETTING STARTED...... 1
2.WORKCLOSELY WITH YOUR COUNTY RECORDER...... 1
3.TERMS OF OFFICE...... 1
4.DECLARATION OF CANDIDACY...... 1
5.CAMPAIGN FINANCE STATEMENTS...... 2
6.PUBLICATION OF CANDIDATES...... 3
7.SAMPLE BALLOTS...... 3
8.POLLING PLACES...... 3-4
9.POLL WORKERS...... 4
10.LOCALINITIATIVES...... 5-6
11.EARLY VOTING...... 7-8
12.PROVISIONAL BALLOTS...... 8
13.ABSENTEE VOTING...... 8-9
14.PUBLISHING NOTICE OF ELECTION...... 9
15.PRIMARY AND GENERAL ELECTION DAY...... 9
16.CANVASSING OFVOTES AND NOTICING...... 9-10
17.RECOUNTS...... 10
18.TIE VOTES...... 10
19.OATHS OF OFFICE...... 10-11
20.MID-TERMVACANCIES...... 11
SAMPLEFORMS:
ExhibitA – ElectionTaskList
ExhibitB – Declaration ofCandidacy ExhibitC – FilingPeriod PublicNotice ExhibitD – Campaign FinancialReport
ExhibitE – Instructions toCandidateforFilingFinancialReports
ExhibitF –AcknowledgmentbyCandidateofReceivingFinancialReportForms and Instructions
ExhibitG – ListofNominations
ExhibitH – ListofPollWorkers
ExhibitI–Invitation forOathsofOfficeCeremony
ExhibitJ– PublicNoticeofVacancy
Sample forms are just that, samples, examples for your reference. They may not reflect the current requirements of the Utah State Code.
1.GETTING STARTED
A. Determinedatesforprimaryand generalelectionsforcurrentyear.
a.PrimaryElection– held, ifnecessary, on thesecondTuesdayfollowingthefirstMondayin
Augustof each oddnumbered year. UCA 20A-1-201.5
i.IfyourmunicipalityholdsPartisan elections, apolitical convention willnominate their candidatesand no primarywillbeheld.
ii.Ifyourmunicipalityholdsnon-Partisan elections, aprimarywillberequiredifthenumber of candidatesthathavefiled exceedstwice thenumberofpositions tobefilled.Thiswill notbeknown untilafterthefilingperiod.
b. GeneralElection – heldthefirstTuesdayafterthefirstMondayin Novemberofeach odd- numbered year. UCA 20A-1-202
i.Reservebuildingto beusedaspollingplace(s)forprimaryand generalelections. (See
Section8belowformoreinformationon polling places)
ii.Prepareinformationto begiven to candidateswhen theyfile.
iii.Updatecalendaror checklistas applicableto currentelection year. (SeeExhibitA)
2.WORKCLOSELY WITHYOURCOUNTYCLERK
Each Countyassists inmunicipalelections indifferentdegrees. ContactyourCountyClerkto determine whatfunctions theCountywillberesponsiblefor andwhatwillbeyourresponsibility.
3.TERMSOFOFFICE - UCA10-3-205
A. Inmunicipalitiesoperatingunderafive-memberorsix-membercitycouncilformofgovernment,the election and termsofofficeshallbe:
a. The officesofmayorandapproximately half thecouncilmembersshallbe filled inmunicipal electionsheldin1977. Thetermsshallbeforfouryears. Theseofficesshallbefilledeveryfour years in municipalelections.
b. Theofficesoftheremainingcouncilmembersshallbefilledinamunicipalelectionheldin1979.
Thetermsshallbeforfouryears.Theseofficesshallbefilledeveryfouryearsinmunicipal elections.
4.DECLARATIONOFCANDIDACY - UCA20A-9-203
To becomea candidateforMayororCouncilcitizensmust filloutaDeclarationofCandidacyformand have itnotarizedorsignedbythecityrecorder(SeeExhibitB)duringthefilingperiod ofJune1-7 duringregularbusinesshours. (2013 HB – 403)
A. On or before February 1st, publish at leastonenotice inthepaperannouncingtheplace, times and qualificationsforfilingasa candidate and thefilingfee,ifany. It is recommended publishingthis2-3 times. UCA 10-3-301 (SeeExhibitC)
B. Thosewishingto filemustdo soin personattheofficeofthecityrecorder. C. Declarations cannotbeacceptedafter5:00 p.m. onJune7.
D. Upon receivingthedeclaration of candidacy, thecityrecordershall:
a.readthequalificationrequirements for theofficeto thecandidate and requirethecandidatetostate whetherornottheymeet thoserequirements.
b. If theprospective candidatemeets therequirements,thecityrecorder shall:
i.Verifythatthenamewritten on the formishow theywish theirname toappearon the ballot;
ii.Providethecandidatewitha copyofthecurrentcampaign financialdisclosurelaws and informthemthatfailuretocomplywill resultin disqualificationasacandidateand removal of the candidate’sname fromtheballot;
iii.Providethecandidatewitha copyofSection 20A-7-801 oftheUtah Coderegardingthe StatewideElectronicVoterInformationWebsiteProgramand informthemof the submissiondeadlineof45 days before the primary election and 60 days before the general election.
iv.Providethecandidatewitha copyofthePledgeofFair Campaign Practices(seeExhibitD)
and informthemthatsigningthepledgeisvoluntary.
v.Filesigned pledges.
vi.If thenumberof candidatesforaparticularoffice exceeds twicethenumberofpersons neededtofilltheoffice, aprimaryelection mustbeheld. Forexample, if threeormore file foramayorposition.
vii.A candidatemaywithdrawthenominationbyfilingawrittenaffidavitwiththerecorderanytime up to 23 daysbeforetheelection. UCA20A-9-203(11)
5.CAMPAIGN FINANCESTATEMENTS -UCA10-3-208
A. Completed Campaign FinanceStatements(SeeExhibitD)are required byStateLaw. If candidatesdo notfilethestatementsbythedeadlinein compliancewith StateLaw,therecorder is requiredto remove thecandidate’sname fromtheballot.
B. Provide two Campaign Financial ReportForms to each candidateatthetime theyfileaDeclaration of
Candidacy.
C. Providewritteninstructionsto candidateregardingwhen and howto filereports(SeeExhibitE).
D. Have the candidate sign anacknowledgement that theyhave received the forms and instructionsfor campaign financerequirements(SeeExhibitF).
a.Theprovisionsofthestatuteorcityordinancegoverningthedisclosureof campaign contributions and expenditures;
b. Thedateswhen the candidate’s campaign financestatement is requiredto befiled;and
c.Thepenaltiesthatapplyforfailureto fileafinancestatement, includingthestatutoryprovisionthat requiresremovalof thecandidate’snamefromtheballotforfailureto file thereportbythe deadline.
E. Fourteen daysbeforethegeneralelection, therecorderisto providewritten notification toeach candidateoffinancialreportingrequirements. It isnotrequired, but recommended, that thisbedoneby returnreceiptrequested mail.
F. Deadlinesforfilingthefinancialstatementsare:
a.Each candidatewho isnoteliminated attheprimaryelection shallfilethereport withtherecorder by5 p.m.:
i. no later than seven daysbeforethedateofthemunicipalgeneralelection; and ii. no later than 30 days after thedateof thegeneralelection.
b. Each candidatewho iseliminated attheprimaryelection shallfilethefinancialreportwiththe recorderby5 p.m.:
i. no later than 30 days after thedateof theprimaryelection.
G. Upon receiptof thestatements,thecityrecorder shall make each statement availableforpublic inspectionand copyingno later than onebusinessdayafterthestatementisfiled;and
H. Make eachstatement filedavailableforpublicinspection by:
a.Postingan electroniccopyor the contentsofthestatementon themunicipality’swebsitenolater thanseven businessdaysafterthestatementisfiledand verifyingthatyourcitywebsiteaddressis providedtothelieutenantgovernor;or
b. Submita copyofthestatement to theLt. Governor’sOfficeforpostingon thestatewebsiteno laterthantwo businessdays after thestatement isfiled.
I.Ifa candidatefailstofileacampaign financestatementbeforethegeneralelectionbythedeadline, therecorder shall:
a.Ifpracticable,remove thecandidate’sname fromtheballotbyblackingoutthecandidate’sname beforetheballots aredeliveredto voters;or
b. If removingthe candidate’sname fromtheballotisnotpracticable,informthevotersbyany practicablemethodthat thecandidatehasbeen disqualifiedandthatvotescastfor the candidate willnotbe counted;and
c.Maynot countany votes for thatcandidate.
J.A privatepartyofinterestmaybringa civilactionindistrictcourtto enforcetheprovisionsof this section.
a.In a civil actionthecourtmayaward costsand attorney’sfeestotheprevailingparty.
6.PUBLICATIONOFCANDIDATES
A. After thefilingperiod, publishthe candidates’names andofficesin atleast two successive issuesof anewspaperimmediatelyfollowingthedeadline and notifytheLt. Governor’sofficeofthenamesof thecandidatesastheywillappearontheballot. (seeExhibitG)
a.Notifyyour countyclerkto informthemwhetheryouwillbeholdingaprimary.
b. Determine, with yourcountyclerk, how manyofficial register andpostingbookswillbeneeded.
c.Verify that language on the ballot is in accordance with UCA 20A-6-301(3)
d.Ifusingtouch screen votingmachines, providealistofthecandidatestothecountyclerk’soffice.
Thelistmustbein theorder identifiedinthe“masterballotposition list”(UCA20A-6-305)
established bytheofficeoftheLt. Governor. Verifyspellingofcandidates’names.
e. Ifusingpaperoropticalscan systems, mail, fax or e-mailalistofthe candidatesto aprinting companyto produceyourballots.Thelistmustbeintheorderidentified in the “masterballot position list” established bytheofficeoftheLt. Governorand should includetheoffice andtermeach candidateisrunningfor, andthenumber tobeelected toeach office. Verify spellingofcandidates’names.
7.SAMPLEBALLOTS – UCA 20A-5-405
A. Whensampleballotsarereceived fromtheprinter, therecorder shall:
a.Verifythateveryname isspelled correctlyandisin theorderspecifiedinthe “masterballot position list;
b. Postacopyintheoffice atleastseven daysbeforecommencement of voting;
c.Mailacopyto each candidatelisted ontheballot;
d. MailacopytotheLt. Governor;
e. Publish acopyinthepaper.
8.POLLING PLACES - UCA20A-5-403
A. Onceithasbeen determined whereelectionswillbeheld, approvalmustbereceived fromthe council.
B. For each pollingplacetherecordermustprovide:
a.An American flag;
b. A sufficientnumberofvotingboothsor compartments;
c.The votingdevices, votingbooths, ballots,ballotboxes, ballotlabels, ballotsheets, write-in ballots, andanyotherrecords andsuppliesnecessaryto enablea voterto vote(workwith your countyclerkon theseitems)
d. A constitutional amendment card, voter information pamphlets, and voterinstruction cards.
e.A sign, to beprominently displayed inthepollingplace, indicatingthatvalid voter identification isrequired for every voterand listingtheacceptable formsof identification.
C. Ensurethateach votingbooth isata convenientheightforwritingand arranged sothevoter can preparetheirballot inprivacy.
D. Ensurethatthereareasufficientnumberofvotingboothsorvotingdevicesto accommodate the votersatthepollingplace.
E. Theremustbeat leastonedevicethatisconfiguredtoaccommodatepersonswithdisabilities. F. Pollingplaceprohibited activities: UCA 20A-3-501
a.A personmaynot, within apollingplaceor inanypublicareawithin 150 feetofthebuilding whereapollingplaceislocated:
i. Do anyelectioneering;
ii. Circulatecardsorhandbillsof any kind;
iii. Solicitsignaturesto any kind ofpetition;or
iv. Engage in anypractice thatinterfereswiththefreedomofvoters to voteordisruptsthe administrationofthepollingplace.
b. A personmaynotobstruct thedoorsor entriesto abuildingin which apollingplaceis located or preventfree accessto andfromanypollingplace.
c.A personmaynot:
i. Remove anyballotfromthepollingplacebeforetheclosingofthepolls;
ii. Solicit any voterto show hisballot.
d. A personmaynot receivea voted ballotfromany voterordeliver anunused ballot toavoter unlessthatpersonisapoll worker.
e.A politicalsubdivision may notprohibitpoliticalsignsthat are located morethan 150’ awayfrom apollingplace,butmayregulatetheirplacement through localordinance.
9.POLLWORKERS - UCA20A-5-602
A. It is thecityrecorder’sresponsibilitytoprovidepollworkers.Thisshould bedoneatleast15days beforetheprimaryand/orgeneralelection.
B. A good sourceforpollworkers isyourcountyclerk’slistofpollworkersthattheyhaveusedin their elections.
C. It is required thatthecityrecorderkeep alistofthepollworkers containingtheirname, address, voting precinct, and telephonenumber. (seeExhibitH)
a.Thisisalsoagood referencewhen reappointingpollworkersyearafteryear.
b. Thislistmustbemade availableforinspection,examination andcopyingduringbusinesshours. D. Whentheappropriatenumberofpollworkershasbeen assigned, thecitycouncilmust approve the
appointmentofthepollworkers atleast15 daysbeforethedateoftheelection.
E. If yourjurisdiction usespaperballots:
a.threeregistered voters, or two registered voters andoneperson 17 yearsold whowillbe18 years old bythedateofthe regularmunicipalelection,fromtheirjurisdictiontoserveaspoll workersfor each votingprecinctwhentheballotswillbecounted afterthepollsclose;or
b. threeregistered voters, or two registered voters andoneperson 17 yearsold whowillbe18 years old bythedateofthe regularmunicipalelection,fromtheirjurisdictiontoserveasreceivingjudges in each votingprecinct andthreeregistered voters, or two registered voters andoneperson 17 years old who willbe18 yearsold bythedateoftheregularmunicipalelection,fromtheirjurisdiction to serve ascountingjudges ineach votingprecinctwhenballotswillbe countedthroughout election day;
F. In jurisdictionsusingautomated tabulatingequipment, threeregistered voters, ortwo registered votersand oneperson 17 yearsold who willbe18 yearsold bythedateoftheregularmunicipal election, fromtheirjurisdictiontoserveaspollworkers for each votingprecinct;
G. Ifyourmunicipalityusesvotingmachines, fourregistered voters, orthreeregistered voters and one person 17 yearsold who willbe18 yearsold bythedateoftheregularmunicipalelection, fromtheir jurisdictiontoserveaspoll workers foreach votingprecinct;and
a.itisalsohelpfulto have rovingjudges toassistvoterson themachines,ifneeded. H. In alljurisdictions:
a.atleastoneregistered voterfromtheirjurisdictionto serve ascanvassingjudge, ifnecessary; and b. asmanyalternatepollworkersasneededtoreplace appointed poll workerswho areunable to
serve.
I.Thecitycouncilmaynotappoint anycandidate'sparent, sibling, spouse, child, orin-law to serve asa pollworkerin thevotingprecinctwherethecandidateresides.
J.Upon approvalofthepoll workers, each pollworkershould bemailed an“Acceptanceof
Appointment and Oath”thatmustbereturned totherecorder.
K. Thecitycan compensatepollworkersfortheirservices. This canbesetatanyamountbutcannotbe higherthan whatthecountypays theirpollworkers.This amountshould beapproved bythecity councilalongwiththelistofpollworkers.
a.Alternatepoll workersmay alsoreceive compensation.
L. PollWorkertrainingshould beprovided approximatelyoneweekpriortotheelection.Trainingcan be completed bythemunicipality, thecountyoryourlocalRecorder’sAssociation.
a.PollWorkersmaybepaid to attendtrainingatthediscretion ofthemunicipalityto encourage attendance.
10.LOCALINITIATIVES - UCA20A-7-402 -501)
A. Apersonwishingtohaveaninitiativesubmittedtothecouncilortoavoteofthepeopleshallobtain legalsignaturesas explained in Utah Code20A-7-501
B. Ifthetotalnumberofcertifiednamesfromeachverifiedsignaturesheetequalsorexceedsthenumber ofnamesrequiredbyStateCode,theclerkorrecordershalldelivertheproposedlawtothecity councilatitsnextmeeting.
C. Thecitycouncilshalleitheradoptorrejecttheproposedlawwithoutchangeoramendmentwithin30 daysofreceiptoftheproposed law.
a.Thecitycouncilmay:
i. adopttheproposedlawandreferittothepeople;
ii. adopttheproposedlaw withoutreferringit tothepeople;or iii. rejecttheproposed law.
D.Ifthecitycounciladoptstheproposed law butdoesnotrefer itto thepeople,itis subjectto referendumaswithotherlocallaws.
E. Ifthecity council rejectsaproposed municipalordinanceor amendment,or takesno action on it, the recorderorclerkshallsubmitittothevotersofthemunicipalityatthenextmunicipalgeneral election.
F. Ifthecitycouncilrejectstheproposedordinanceoramendment,ortakesnoactiononit,thecity
councilmayadopta competinglocallaw.
i. Thecitycouncilshallprepareandadoptthecompetinglocallawwithinthe30daysallowed forits action onthemeasureproposedbyinitiativepetition.
G. Ifthecitycounciladoptsacompetinglocallaw,theclerkorrecordershallsubmitittothevotersof themunicipalityat the same electionatwhichtheinitiativeproposalissubmitted.
H. Ifconflicting locallawsaresubmittedtothepeople atthesameelection and twoormoreof the conflictingmeasuresareapprovedbythepeople,thenthemeasurethatreceivesthegreatestnumber of affirmativevotesshallcontrolallconflicts.
I.Personswishingtocirculate an initiativepetition shallfile anapplication withthelocalclerk.
i. Theapplicationshallfollow theguidelinessetin Section 20A-7-502 of theUtahCode.
J. Withinthreeworkingdaysofreceiptofanapplicationforaninitiativepetition,thelocalclerkshall submita copyof theapplication tothebudgetofficer.
K. Each proposed initiativepetitionshallbeprintedasoutlined inUtah CodeSection20A-7-503.
L. Inordertoobtainthenecessarynumberofsignaturesrequired,thesponsorsshallcirculateinitiative packetsthatmeet the formrequirementsasdefinedinUCA 20A-7-504:
i. Thelocalclerkshallfurnish tothesponsors:
1. one copyoftheinitiativepetition;and
2. onesignature sheet.
ii. Thesponsorsofthepetition shall:
1. arrangeandpayfortheprintingofalladditionalcopiesofthepetitionandsignature sheets;and
2. ensurethatthecopiesofthepetitionandsignaturesheetsmeettheformrequirementsof this section.
M.Afterthesponsorshaveprepared sufficient initiativepackets, they shall return themtothelocal clerk.
Thelocalclerkshall:
i. numbereachoftheinitiativepacketsandreturnthemtothesponsorswithinfiveworking days; and
ii. keep a recordofthenumbersassignedto each packet.
N. Submittingthe initiativepetition: UCA 20A-7-506
i. Thesponsorsshalldelivereachsignedandverifiedinitiativepackettothecountyclerkno laterthantheApril15fallingbeforethemunicipalgeneralelection.
ii. The county clerk willcheck thenamesofthepersons toverify thatthey areaUtahresident and at least18 yearsold.
iii. No laterthanMay15,thecountyclerkshalldeliver allof thepacketsto thelocalclerk. iv. Upon receiptof theinitiativepacket,thelocalclerkshall:
1.checkoff thenumberofeach initiativepacketfiled;
2. countthenumberofthenamescertifiedbythecountyclerkthatappearoneachverified signaturesheet.
v. If the totalnumberofcertified names fromeach verified signature sheetequalsorexceeds the numberofnamesrequired by Section20A-7-501,thelocalclerk shallmark uponthefrontof thepetitiontheword "sufficient."
vi. Ifthetotalnumberofcertifiednamesfromeachverifiedsignaturesheetdoesnotequalor exceedthenumberofnamesrequiredby Section20A-7-501,thelocalclerk shallmark upon thefrontof thepetition theword "insufficient."
vii. Thelocalclerkshallimmediatelynotifyanyoneof thesponsorsoftheirfinding.
viii. Ifthelocalclerkfindsthetotalnumberofcertifiedsignaturesfromeachverifiedsignature sheetto beinsufficient, any sponsormay fileawrittendemandwith the local clerk for a recountofthesignaturesappearingon the initiativepetitionin thepresenceof anysponsor.
O. Onceapetitionisdeclaredinsufficient,thesponsorsmaynotsubmitadditionalsignaturestoqualify thepetitionforthependingelection.
P. Ifthepetitionisdeclaredinsufficient,thepetitionsponsorsmaysubmitadditionalsignaturesto qualifythepetitionfor:
i. thenextregulargeneralelectionfollowing thepending regulargeneralelection if thepetition wasa countyinitiativepetition;or
ii. thenextmunicipalgeneralelection ifthepetition wasamunicipalinitiativepetition.
Q. Wheninitiativepetitionisdeclaredsufficientforsubmissiontoavoteofthepeople,thelocalclerk shalldelivera copyof the petition andtheproposed law to the localattorney. UCA 20A-7-507
R. Thelocalattorneyshallreturn thepetition and file theballottitlewith thelocalclerkwithin fivedays. S. Immediatelyafterthelocalattorneyfilesacopyoftheballottitlewiththelocalclerk,thelocalclerk shallservea copyof theballottitlebymailuponthesponsorsofthepetitionandthecitycouncil.
T. Thelocalclerkshallensurethatthenumberandballottitleareprintedupontheofficialballotwith, immediately totherightof them,thewords "For"and "Against," eachword followedby asquare in whichtheelectormayindicatehisvote. UCA 20A-7-509
U. Thevotesonthelawproposedbytheinitiativepetitionshallbecounted,canvassed,anddeliveredas providedinTitle20A, Chapter4, Part3, CanvassingReturns.
V. Thecitycouncilshallimmediatelyissueaproclamation that: UCA 20A-7-510
i. gives the totalnumberofvotescastin the localjurisdiction for and againsteach law proposed byan initiativepetition; and
ii. declaresthoselawsproposedby aninitiativepetition thatwereapprovedby majority voteto be infullforce and effectas thelaw ofthelocaljurisdiction.
W.Whenthecitycouncildeterminesthattwoproposedlaws,orthatpartsoftwoproposedlaws approvedbythepeopleatthesameelectionareentirelyinconflict,theyshallproclaimthatmeasure to be law thathasreceived thegreatestnumberof affirmativevotes, regardlessof thedifference in the majoritieswhichthosemeasureshave received.
X.Within tendaysafter the city council’sproclamation, any qualifiedvoterwho signedthe initiativepetitionproposing thelaw thatisdeclared by thecity councilbodytobesupersededby anothermeasure approvedatthesame election mayapplyto the supreme courttoreview thedecision.
Y. Anyproposedlawsubmittedtothepeoplebyinitiativepetitionthatisapprovedbythevotersatany election takes effectonthedatespecified intheinitiativepetition. UCA 20A-7-511
Z. Iftheinitiativepetitiondoesnotspecifyaneffectivedate,alawapprovedbythevotersatany electiontakeseffectfivedaysafterthedateoftheofficialproclamationofthevotebythecounty legislativebody.
11.EARLYVOTING - UCA20A-3-601 - 604
A. Two weeksprecedingeachelection votersmay vote early.
a.Early votingshallcontinuethrough theFridaybeforethe election.
b. Therecordercan determinethetimes foropeningand closingthepolls foreach dayof early voting, providedthat:
i. Early votingmustbe availableaminimumof fourhoursduringeach daythat thepolls are open duringearly voting.
ii. Early votingmustbe conductedon thelastdayoftheearly votingperiod.
iii. Early votingshallnotcloseuntil5 p.m. on thelastdayof theearly votingperiod.
c.Everyregistered voter whoarrivesat thepollsbeforethetime scheduledforclosingof thepolls shallbeallowedto vote.
B. Noticeoftime and placeofearly voting:
a.Early votingshalltakeplace in a governmentbuildingoroffice, unlessitisdeterminedthatthe areadesignateddoesnot meettherequirementsofSection 20A-3-603of theUtah Code.
b. Publish anoticeinatleastoneissueofanewspaperofgeneralcirculationin thecountyatleast five calendardaysbeforethedate early votingbegins;and
c.Postanotice ateach early votingpollingplaceat leastfive calendardaysbefore early voting begins.
C. Mannerofvoting.
a.Early votingisconducted in thesamemanner asyourregularvoting. Municipalities can use paperballots, optical scan,or touch screen.
b. Each votermustpresentvalid voteridentification to thepoll worker. “Valid voter identification”
includesanyofthefollowing: UCA 20A-1-102(82)
i.Currentvalid Utah driverlicense;
ii.Currentvalid identificationcardthatisissued bythestateorabranch, departmentor agencyof theUnited States;
iii.A currentvalid Utah permitto carryaconcealed weapon;
iv.A currentvalid United Statespassport; or
v.A currently valid United States military identification card;
vi.One of the following identification cards, whether or not the card contains a photograph of the voter:
- a valid tribal identification card;
- a Bureau of Indian Affairs card; or
- a tribal treaty card; or
vi.Twoformsofidentificationthatbearthenameof thevoterand provideevidencethatthe voterresidesinthevotingprecinct, which mayinclude:
1. A currentutilitybilloralegible copydated within 90daysbeforetheelection;
2. A bankorotherfinancialaccountstatementorlegiblecopy;
3. A certified birthcertificate;
4. A valid SocialSecuritycard;
5. A checkissued bythe stateor thefederalgovernmentoralegiblecopy;
6. A paycheckfromthevoter’s employerorlegible copy;
7. A currently valid Utah huntingorfishinglicense;
8. A currently valid United Statesmilitaryidentificationcard;
9. Certified naturalizationdocumentation;
10.A currently valid licenseissued byan authorized agencyof theUnited States;
11.a certified copyof courtrecordsshowingthevoter’sadoption orname change;
12.A valid Medicaidcard, MedicarecardorElectronicBenefitsTransferCard;
13.A currently valid identification cardissued byalocalgovernmentwithin thestate,an employer foran employeeoracollege, university, technicalschoolorprofessional school located within thestate;
14.A currentUtah vehicle registration.
c.Thepollworkershallrecord thetypeofidentificationprovidedintheappropriatespaceinthe officialregister.
d. Ifvoter identification cannotbeproduced,aprovisionalballotmaybe cast.The voter then hasfive (5)days toshowidentification tothecountyclerkin orderfor theprovisionalballot to beaccepted.
12.PROVISIONALBALLOTS - UCA20A-4-107
A. Startingwith the2009 election, allvotersmust show valid I.D. Asa result,itis expectedthatmore provisionalballotswillbeneededthatin pastelections. It is recommended thisbe considered when orderingprovisionalballots.
B. Checkwith yourcountyclerkto determinewho willverifyProvisionalBallots, thecountyoryou as theelectionsofficer.
C. On Election Dayorduringearly voting, ifapollworker challenges theperson’sright to vote,the person’sname isnotfoundon theofficialregisteror thevoterhasnotprovided valid voter identification,thevotercanfilloutaProvisionalBallot.
D. Upon receiptofprovisionalballotenvelopes,theelection officer(whethercountyorcity) shallreview theaffirmation onthefaceof each envelopeand determine iftheperson signingthe affirmationisa registered voterandlegallyentitledto votetheballot. UCA20A-4-107(2)
a.If it isdetermined thatthe personisnotaregistered voterorisnotlegallyentitledto vote theballot, theelection officer shallretaintheballotenvelope, unopened,fortheperiodspecifiedin Section
20A-4-202 of theUtah Codeunlessorderedbya courtto produceorcountit.
b. If it isdetermined thatthe personisaregistered voterand islegallyentitledto vote, theelection officer shallremove theballotfromtheenvelopeand placetheballotwiththeabsenteeballotsto be counted withthoseballots at the canvass.
c.The votemaynotbe counted unlessthe voter’sID and residenceisestablished byapreponderance of the evidence.
E. If it isdetermined thatthe personisaregistered voter,the electionofficershallensurethat thevoter registrationrecordsareupdatedtoreflecttheinformation provided ontheprovisionalballotenvelope.
F. If the election officerdetermines that thepersonisnota registered voter andtheinformation onthe provisionalballot envelopeis complete,theelection officer shall considertheprovisionalballot envelopeavoterregistration formand registerthevoter.
13.ABSENTEEVOTING - UCA20A-3-301 – 310
A. Therecordermustdeterminehow manyabsenteeballots to haveprinted.Theseare generallyordered through aprintingcompany thatis familiar with therequirementsofthelaw.
B. Anyperson whoisregistered to votemay votebyabsenteeballot.
C. A registered votermaynotvote in person if thevotervoted byabsenteeballot.
D. Ifyourmunicipalityhasapopulation of500 orless,the countymayelectto administeran election entirelybyabsenteeballot.Checkwith yourcountyclerk.
E. Anyregistered voterwho wishes to vote anabsenteeballot can either:
a.Filean absenteeballot application with thecounty clerkfor an officialabsenteeballot;or
b. Votein personattheofficeof thecityrecorder.
F. If requested bytheapplicant, therecorder:
a.Mailsorfaxes the application blankto the absenteevoter;or
b. Deliversthe applicationblankto thevoterwho personallyappliedforitattheofficeofthecity recorder.
G. Deadlineto receive applications for anabsenteeballotmustbe filed withthe cityrecorderno laterthan:
a.theFridaybeforeelection day;
b. Overseasapplicantsmust filetheir applicationsnolaterthan 20 daysbefore thedayof election; H. Thosevotingabsenteeattheofficeofthecityrecordermust casttheirballotnolaterthantheFriday
beforetheelection.
I.Upon timelyreceiptof an absenteevoter application, the recordershalleither:
a.Give the applicantan official absenteeballot andenvelope to vote intheoffice;or
b. Mail anofficial absenteeballot, postagepaid,totheabsenteevoter andenclose anenvelopeprinted as requiredintheStateCode20A-3-305(2).
J.An absenteeballotisnotvalid unlessitis:
a.Received attheofficeofthe recorderbeforetheclosingofpollson election day;or
b. Clearlypostmarked beforeelection dayandreceivedin theofficeoftherecorderbeforenoon on thedayof theofficialcanvassfollowingtheelection.
K. A hospitalized votermayobtain anabsenteeballotand voteon election day:
a.Anyperson mayobtain anabsenteeballot application,an absenteeballotand an absenteeballot envelopefromthecityrecorderon behalfofahospitalized voterbyrequestingaballotand application inpersonattherecorder’soffice;
b. Therecordermustrequirethepersonto sign astatement identifyinghimself andthehospitalized voter.
c.To be counted, the absentee voter application andthe sealed absenteeballotenvelopemustbe returned totherecorder’sofficebeforethepollscloseon electionday.
14. PUBLISHINGINGNOTICE OFELECTION
A. At leasttwo daysbeforeelection day, publishan election noticein anewspaperofgeneral circulation.UCA 20A-5-101 Thenoticemustinclude:
a.Thedate and placeofelection;
b. Thehoursduringwhich thepollswillbeopen;
c.Thepollingplacesforeach votingprecinct;and
d.An election day voting center designated under Section 20A-3-703; and
e. Thequalifications forpersons to vote intheelection.
It is alsohelpfulto publisha citymap showingtheprecincts
15.PRIMARY AND GENERAL ELECTIONDAY
A. Ifyourmunicipalityisprovidinglunch orothersnacks forelection day, orderafew days ahead. B. Pollsopenat7:00a.m. and closeat8:00 p.m.
C. Deliverabsent-voterballotsto therespectivepollworkers.
D. Be availableatthepollingplaceorbyphonethroughout thedayfor anyquestionsthatmaycomeup. E. Pollworkerswilldeliverthe electionreturnsto thecityclerkor countyclerk, dependingon which
jurisdictionhastheresponsibilityto dothecounting.
F. No electioneeringisallowed within 150 feetofthepollingplacebuilding. UCA 20A-3-501
16.CANVASSINGOFVOTESAND NOTICING - UCA20A-4-301 -304
A. Canvassingofvotesisthereviewofelectionreturnsandtheofficialdeclarationofelectionresultsby theboardofcanvassers(citycouncil).Thereisnosetformatforthis,eachcitycandeterminewhat worksbestfor them. However, thecanvassmustinclude thevotesofeach votingprecinctfor:
a.each candidatevotedfor;and
b. forand againsteachballotproposition voted upon at the election.
B. Canvassingcanbedoneduringaregularcouncilmeetingifitiswithintherequiredtimeframe,ora specialmeetingmaybeneeded to meetthetime requirement.
C. Ifitclearlyappearstotheelectionofficerandboardofcanvassersthatcertainmattersareomittedor thatclericalmistakesexistinelectionreturnsreceived,theyshalltransmittheelectionreturnstothe electionjudges for correction.
D. Primaryelectionresultsmustbecanvassednosoonerthansevendaysandnolaterthan14daysafter theelection.
E. Generalelection resultsmustbecanvassed nosooner than seven days and nolaterthan14 days aftertheelection.
F. Immediatelyfollowingthecanvasstherecorder shallprepareacertificateofnomination underthecity sealtoeachnominated candidate.
G. After theprimaryelection canvass, therecorder shallnotifytheprintingservicecontracted bythecity of thenames fortheNovember election. If thecityisdoingtouch screen votingthenames should be providedtothecountyortheITperson programmingthemachines.
H. After the canvassofeach election,thecityrecorder shall; UCA 20A-4-304
a.Recordthecanvassintheofficialrecordsofthemunicipality.
b. Prepareand transmitacertificateofnomination orelectiontoeachnominatedorelectedcandidate;
c.Publishtheofficialresultsin anewspaper, orifthere isnotanewspaperpublished inthe municipality, theresults should beposted.
d. Givea copyofthecertifiedreportto each nominated or elected candidate.
e.Filea copyofthecertifiedreportwith theofficeof theLieutenantGovernorwithin14 days. f.Publish onthemunicipality’swebsite.
g. Send tothestate’selectionwebsite.
h. Postin oneormoreconspicuousplaceswithin thejurisdiction.
17.RECOUNTS - UCA 20A-4-401
A. For anyelection, when anycandidatelosesbynotmorethana totalofonevotepervotingprecinct, the candidatemayfilearequest forarecountwithinsevendays afterthecanvass.
B. Therecordershall:
a.Supervisethe recount;
b. Recountallballots castforthatoffice;
c.Reexamineallunopened absenteeballots toensurecompliancewiththeUtah Code. d. Declareelected thepersonreceivingthehighestnumberofvotesontherecount.
C. Anyten voterswho voted in an election whenanyballotproposition orbond proposition wasonthe ballotmayfilearequestfora recountwith therecorder within seven daysofthecanvass.
D. Therecordershallfollowthe sameguidelineslisted inB(a-d) above.
E. Costsincurred byarecountmaynotbe assessedagainst thepersonrequestingtherecount.
F. Upon completion of therecount,therecordershall immediatelyconvenethecitycouncil.Theyshall:
a.Canvass the electionreturns for the raceorpropositionthatwasthesubjectoftherecount; and b. With the assistanceoftherecorder,prepare andsign the report.
18.TIEVOTES - UCA20A-1-304
A. If two ormore candidateshave an equal and thehighestnumberofvotesforanyoffice,therecorder shalldeterminebylotwhich candidateisselected in apublicmeetinginthepresenceof each subjectto thetiewithin 30 daysofthecanvassorwithin30 daysof therecountifoneisrequested orheld.
B. In aprimary, if two ormore candidates forapositionhave an equaland thehighestnumberofvotesfor anyoffice,therecorder shalldeterminebylotwhich candidateisselectedin apublicmeetinginthe presenceofeachperson subjectto thetiewithinfivedaysof the canvassorwithinfivedaysofthe recountifoneisrequested or held.
19.OATHSOFOFFICE - UCA10-3-201 &828)
A. Newlyelected officialsbegin theirtermofofficeat12o’clocknoon onthefirstMondayinJanuary followingtheelection orassoonthereafteraspractical. Theoath ofofficeisto beadministered bya judge, notarypublicorbythe recorderofthemunicipality.
a.Somemunicipalities administertheoath aspartofthefirstcitycouncilmeeting, othershavea lightluncheon or snacks at12 o’clocknoon on thefirstMondayinJanuary. Newlyelected official should beencouraged toinvite familyandfriends totheoath ofoffice ceremony. (seeExhibitH)
20.MID-TERMVACANCIES – UCA 20A-1-510
A. Whenavacancyoccursintheofficeofmayororcouncil,themayorand citycouncilappointaregistered voterinthemunicipality whomeetsthequalifications forofficeestablishedinUtahCodeSection10-3-301tofilltheunexpiredtermoftheofficevacateduntiltheJanuaryfollowingthenextmunicipalelection.
B. Before actingto fill thevacancy, givepublicnoticeof thevacancyat least two weeksbefore the council meetingin which thevacancywillbefilled. (SeeExhibitK)
C. Thepublicnotice shouldidentify:
a.thedate,time, and placeofthemeetingwherethevacancywillbefilled; and
b. thepersontowhomapersoninterestedinbeingappointedtofillthevacancymaysubmitthe interested person’s name for consideration andanydeadlineforsubmittingit.
c.itisalsohelpfultoaskforinformationonthecandidate,suchaswhytheywouldliketheposition and qualifications fortheposition.
D. Interviews arethenheld and an applicant chosen.
E. Interviewsmustbeconductedina noticed,open and publicmeeting.
F. Ifavacancyintheofficeofmayoroccursbeforetheeffectivedateofanappointmenttofillthe vacancy,the council chair shall serveasacting mayorduring thetimebetweenthe creation of the vacancyand the effectivedateoftheappointmentto fill thevacancy.
a.Whileservingasactingmayor, thecouncilchaircontinuesto:
i.actasacouncilmember; and ii.vote atcouncilmeetings.
EXHIBITA
ELECTON TASK LIST
(datesvarybyyear)
DATE / REQUIRED TASK / COMPLETEDFebruary 1, 2013 / On or before, publish a notice identifying the municipal offices to be voted on, and the dates for filing a declaration of candidacy; publish notice according to UCA 10-3-301
March 2013 / Review State Legislative Bills passed which involve elections
Suggested Date