SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah voters are poised to decide whether to make it easier for political candidates to bypass their party’s convention system.
An updated count of verified signatures posted by the state’s elections office Thursday shows the initiative has unofficially qualified for the ballot. The proposal would reduce the number of signatures candidates need to gather to sidestep the party convention system.
The plan would maintain the current dual system of nominating candidates, which allows nominations to emerge either through a party convention or by obtaining a number of voters’ signatures.
Supporters say it takes power away from party insiders.
Opponents say the signature route undermines political parties’ freedom and rewards deep-pocketed campaigns. They are urging people to remove their signatures from the petition.
The initiative won’t officially be on the ballot until election officials certify the ballot next month.
