This bill:

• defines terms;
• modifies the conditions and requirements for a ballot to list a candidate using a variation of the candidate's name or a nickname;
• modifies, consolidates, recodifies, and adds provisions relating to:
  • notices of offices to be filled at upcoming elections;
  • notices of candidate filing periods;
  • notices of candidates to be included on a ballot and other instructions relating to a ballot;
  • notices of election; and
  • other notices relating to elections;
• modifies certain declaration of candidacy periods:
  • to coincide with the declaration of candidacy periods for municipal primary elections and municipal general elections; and
  • to make declaration of candidacy periods for all registered political parties the same, regardless of whether the registered political party is a qualified political party;
• beginning on January 1, 2027, prohibits a county clerk's or election officer's name from:
  • inclusion in the official endorsement for a ballot;
  • inclusion on a return envelope for a ballot; or
  • inclusion on a ballot, except to the extent that the county clerk or election officer is listed as a candidate on the ballot;
• modifies certain deadlines set at a specific date to instead occur on a business day;
• modifies and consolidates provisions relating to removing the names of deceased individuals from the list of registered voters;
• modifies requirements relating to the storage of election material, ballots, and election returns;
• modifies the deadline to file an objection to a declaration of candidacy;
• modifies and removes inconsistent provisions relating to participation in a regular primary election;
• grants rulemaking authority to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor to regulate the use and application of the Great Seal of the State of Utah or a replica of the seal;
• modifies and clarifies provisions relating to the crime of illegally using or defacing the Great Seal of the State of Utah; and
• makes technical and conforming changes.