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Utah election law currently requires that candidates' names appear on the ballot using their legal first and last names, with separate, detailed processes for approving middle names, common nicknames, or other name variations. This bill would replace those separate rules with a single, broader category called a "variation of a candidate's name," covering middle names, initials, name order, suffixes like "Jr." or "Sr.," a spouse's or parent's surname, a maiden name, common nickname derivatives, or other nicknames, as long as the candidate is actually known by that name in the county where they live. To use a name variation, a candidate would need to submit a written request by the close of the candidate filing period; for surname variations (such as a maiden name or spouse's last name) the candidate must also submit a sworn affidavit confirming they are known by that name, and for non-standard nicknames the candidate must submit both a personal affidavit and affidavits from five county residents who are not family members, with the election officer confirming the nickname is not misleading, a slogan, an unfair political advantage, or otherwise inappropriate. Regardless of what name variation appears on the ballot, a candidate's legal name would still be used to determine ballot placement order, and election officials would retain the ability to distinguish candidates with identical or similar names by adding middle names or negotiating another distinguishing method.