Bill > SB0299

This bill modifies how a candidate's name appears on a ballot by defining a "variation of a candidate's name" to include using a middle name, initials, suffixes like "Jr." or "Sr.", or other surnames by which the candidate is known in their county, including maiden names, a spouse's surname, or a parent's surname, as well as common nicknames. To have a variation of their name appear on the ballot, a candidate must submit a written request by a specific deadline, and depending on the type of variation, may need to provide an affidavit stating they are known by that name in their county, and in the case of nicknames, have five non-family residents also attest to this. Election officials will review these requests and determine if nicknames meet certain criteria, such as not implying a different person or being offensive. The bill also outlines an appeal process if a request is rejected and clarifies that even with name variations, a candidate's legal name will still be used for ballot placement order.

Government Affairs

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0299.html