Choosing Your Path to the Ballot: Convention, Dual Path, or Signatures

What the bylaws say

Cache GOP Bylaws as amended by the County Central Committee on Oct 15, 2026.

• Who may run (7.1): U.S. citizen; 18 or older by the next general election; registered Republican; not a member of any other party. The Utah Republican Party Constitution (Art. I, C.2) also requires one year of continuous Republican registration before you file.

• Nominating Convention (7.2): It's held in even-numbered years under the Utah Republican Party Constitution, with at least 45 days' notice (7.2.4).

• Signature gatherers (7.2.2): "A candidate for a county, state legislature or state school board office who filed an official intent to gather signatures but who has not been chosen by a party convention will not receive any recognition as a candidate or assistance in any form from the county party until after the primary election, unless required by law. Signature gathering candidates are always listed on ballots after non-signature gathering candidates."

• Delegate lists (7.2.3): Non-signature-gathering convention candidates get the delegate contact spreadsheet and RSVP status within two business days of asking.

• 70% rule (9D): "Any candidate for elected office who receives at least 70% of the votes cast for that office on any ballot at the county convention shall be the party's nominee for that position. If no candidate receives that total on the final ballot, then the two (2) candidates receiving the most votes will be certified for the primary election ballot."

• Unopposed (9E): An unopposed candidate must still be confirmed by a majority vote at the convention.

• Voting method (9C): With three or more candidates for one office, the convention uses multiple ballots or preference voting.

Which path is right for you?

1. Do you like one-on-one conversations? Convention races are won by meeting delegates, your neighbors who were elected on caucus night.

2. Do you want the county party's full support and delegate list? Under our bylaws, those come with the convention route.

3. Do you have the volunteers, time, and budget to gather signatures? It's a big job. A Utah House seat takes 1,000 valid signatures, and a county office takes 3% of eligible voters.

4. Do you want a backup plan? Dual path offers one, but under 7.2.2 you won't get party help unless the convention chooses you.

5. Is the field crowded? Think through how multi-round voting (9C) and the 70% threshold (9D) could play out.

Key dates for 2028 (TBA)

• Precinct caucuses, where delegates are elected: spring 2028.

• Declaration of candidacy window: usually early January of an election year (Utah Code 20A-9-202). Dates and fees come from the Cache County Clerk and vote.utah.gov.

• Signature gathering: begins when you file a notice of intent. Deadlines are in Utah Code 20A-9-408.

• County Nominating Convention: spring 2028, with at least 45 days' notice.

• Primary election: late June 2028.

(2027 municipal races are nonpartisan and don't use these routes.)

Signatures needed (Utah Code 20A-9-408(8))