Become a municipal candidate

Below are some answers to common questions about running for municipal office. Please read our disclaimer before continuing.

1. What are the qualifications?

You must meet the criteria outlined by state law (refer to Utah Code 20A-9-203):

  • You must be a registered voter in the municipality;
  • You must live in the municipality for the 12 consecutive months immediately before the general election;
  • If your area was recently annexed by a municipality, you must be a resident of the annexed area for the 12 consecutive months before the general election;
  • If your municipality’s council is elected by district, you must be a resident of the district;
  • You must not be mentally incompetent;
  • You must not be convicted of a felony. If you have a felony, you can gain the right to hold office by meeting the requirements of Utah Code 20A-2-101.5(3); and
  • You must not be convicted of treason or crime against the elective franchise. If you were convicted of such crimes, you can gain the right to hold office by meeting the requirements of Utah Code 20A-2-101.3.

2. How do I declare as a candidate?

If you are in a municipality not participating in the rank choice voting pilot project then you must declare candidacy with your municipal clerk or recorder between June 1, 2021, and June 7, 2021, by 5p.m. However, if you are in a municipality participating in the rank choice voting pilot project then you will declare for office between August 10 and August 17th by 5 p.m. You must declare in person unless you are out of the state throughout the declaration period. If you are absent, contact your municipal clerk or recorder to learn how to file with a designated agent.

The declaration process is simple. The municipal clerk or recorder will provide several forms for you to complete as well as informational material regarding financial disclosure requirements, submitting your candidate profile to vote.utah.gov, and a pledge of fair campaign practices. Some municipalities may charge a filing fee.


3. How do I declare as a write-in candidate?

The process to declare candidacy is similar as other candidates, but you have until August 30, 2021 to do so. As the name implies, the names of write-in candidates are not printed on the ballot.


4. How do I file financial disclosure reports?

All reports are filed with your municipal clerk or recorder. Please note that campaign finance requirements may vary depending on the jurisdiction. Contact your municipal clerk or recorder for more information.