Signature Requirements to run for office using the signature gathering process:

Listed below are the signature gathering requirements for offices up for election in 2026. A candidate must file a “declaration of candidacy” form with the election officer and indicate his/her intent to gather signatures, on that form to get the signature gathering packet. In order for a signature to be valid, the person must be a registered Utah voter within the boundaries of the election at the time that their signature is reviewed by the county clerk’s office and must be of the same party as the candidate collecting signatures.

Change in the law now allows signature packets to be turned in prior to reaching the required minimum number of signatures, with supplemental signatures being turned in at any time following the initial submission. The signatures are verified in the order they are received. Therefore, if a voter signs two packets for candidates in the same race, that voter’s signature will count toward the candidate that submits the signature first.

Change in the law now allows signatures to be signed physically and/or electronically.

2026 Candidate Signature Requirements:

In accordance with Utah Code §20A-9-408, the signature requirements for Qualified Political Party (QPP) candidates are provided.

• For county offices: 3% of all voters who reside within the district and are eligible to vote in the party’s primary election.
• Deadline to submit signatures is 5 p.m., on the last business day that is at least 14 days before the party’s convention.

In accordance with Utah Code §20A-9-408 (8)(v) candidates for State Board of Education must collect the lesser of:

• 2,000 signatures of registered voters who reside within the district and are permitted to vote in the party’s regular primary election. OR
• 3% of registered voters who reside within the district and are affiliated with the qualified political party.

In accordance with Utah Code §20A-9-502(5), the signature requirements for Unaffiliated candidates are provided.

• Signatures of 300 or 5% of registered voters who reside within the district, whichever is less.
• Signatures must be submitted and verified BEFORE declaring candidacy.
• Unaffiliated candidates may declare candidacy from January 2, 2026 – June 15, 2026, by 5:00pm.

Signature thresholds: