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SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Republican Party and the state agreed on a question Friday to pose to the Utah Supreme Court to resolve their ongoing dispute over a new election law.
Specifically, they will ask the court if a political party must permit its members to seek nominations for elected office by either or both of the methods spelled out in the law or if party may preclude a member from gathering signatures.
The GOP maintains the decision rests with the party, and it has chosen Utah's longstanding caucus and convention system. The state contends the candidate has the option to seek the nomination at the convention or by collecting a requisite number of signatures allowed under SB54 or both.
Two sides asked a federal judge in a joint motion to certify the question to the Utah Supreme Court. In addition, they agreed to remove Gov. Gary Herbert as a defendant in the lawsuit, leaving only Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox, who oversees state elections.
Meantime, Republican legislative leaders say they won't consider changes to SB54 this session as the court case plays out.
