Lt. Gov. Henderson announces filing extension to unaffiliated candidates

SALT LAKE CITY (Dec. 18, 2023) – Consistent with the recent guidance of the United States District Court concerning unaffiliated presidential candidates, Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson will accept all unaffiliated candidates’ certificates of nomination filed after January 8th through March 5th, 2024.

The lieutenant governor made the decision after looking at the constitutionality of the statute, in consultation with legislative leadership, and upon advice of counsel. The office also received inquiries from several individuals interested in running as unaffiliated candidates in the 2024 general election.

Accepting certificates of nomination from unaffiliated candidates for all elective offices provides broader access to the ballot and supports state policy of affording unaffiliated candidates “every reasonable opportunity to make their candidacy effective.”  

Legislative leaders have indicated they expect to change the law regarding the statutory filing period for unaffiliated presidential candidates in the upcoming 2024 legislative session.

This extension applies only to candidates who are not affiliated with a political party. Candidates who seek the nomination of their respective political parties must still file their Declarations of Candidacy with the Lieutenant Governor’s office between January 2 and January 8, 2024, as required under Utah Code § 20A-9-201.5(2). Partisan candidates vying for their party’s nomination shall follow their respective party’s nominating procedure, through either the party convention or primary election process.

Except for the filing deadline stated in Utah Code § 20A-9-201.5(2), which is extended for unaffiliated candidates, all other requirements of the Utah Election Code shall remain in effect and shall apply to all candidates for elective office.

###