precinct caucus training

2012PRECINCT CAUCUS MEETING

TRAINING MANUAL

“All political power is inherent in the people;”Utah State Constitution, Article1, Section 2

PRECINCT CAUCUS MEETINGTRAINING MANUAL

Written, Compiled and Edited by:Maura Carabello, Lauren Wall and James Seaman

SUPPORTED BY:

The Salt Lake Chamber

This manual was produced by the Salt Lake Chamberto increase civic engagement and strengthen the Utah economy.

For more information about the Chamber,visit www.slchamber.com

Welcome and congratulations for deciding to be involved in one of themost important parts of Utah’s political process—precinct caucus meeting.This is the beginning of a campaign that will culminate when we elect newleaders for the State of Utah on November 6, 2012.

Utah’s election system is somewhat unique. It begins with precinct caucusmeetings at neighborhood levels, where the decision-makers are anyone atleast 18 years old, and willing to get involved.This system allows any voterto help make major policy decisions by choosing candidates on behalf ofthousands of their fellow citizens.The caucus system empowers averagepeople, if they just make the effort to get involved.

This manual will help you navigate the system and answer your questionsas you participate in your precinct caucus. Citizens who are well informed,thoughtful and motivated are the key to a thriving community.

About the Chamber

The Salt Lake Chamber is Utah’s largest business association and Utah’sbusiness leader. A statewide chamber of commerce with members in all 29 Utah counties, the Chamber represents 7,700 businesses andapproximately 500,000 Utah jobs—nearly half the workforce of our state.With roots that date back to 1887, the Chamber stands as the voice ofbusiness, supports its members’ success and champions community prosperity.

January 30, 2012

My fellow Utahn:

By any measure, 2012 will be a big year.The long anticipated City CreekCenter mixed-use development in downtown Salt Lake City will open.We will also celebrate the opening of two new TRAX light rail lines andFrontRunner commuter rail from Salt Lake City to Provo. And, we willcommemorate the 10-year anniversary of the 2002 Olympic WinterGames. It’s a big year, matched only by the big decisions we will make.

This year Utahns will vote for a president and elect a governor, a U.S.Senator, four congressmen, 91 members of the Utah Legislature and manyother elected officials. It is imperative that we engage in the public square.This civic engagement begins with the neighborhood caucus meetings andextends through election day in November.

This manual introduces and explains Utah’s unique caucus-convention system. It is a training manual filled with helpful hints, basic definitions, a calendar of dates and contact information.

The Salt Lake Chamber encourages Utahns to learn about the system,participate in the system and vote on election day. In doing so, we willstrengthen the voice of business and contribute to the betterment of our community.

Sincerely,

Lane BeattiePresident and CEOSalt Lake Chamber

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Power of the Individual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

CAUCUS PROCESS

Precinct Caucus Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–11

Helpful Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12–14

Republican Party:The Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16–19

Democratic Party:The Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20–21

Basic Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22–24

CALENDAR

2012 Political Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26–29

CONTACT INFO

Democratic County Chairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Republican County Chairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31–32

County Clerks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33–34

State Party Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Quick Political Links . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

OTHER

Political process chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . insert

How do I register to vote? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . insert

Offices up for election . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37–39

TABLE OF CONTENTS

6

INTRODUCTION

all r ights reserved ©2012

This precinct caucus manual will walk you through the steps neces-sary to attend and get elected as a delegate at your precinct caucus

meeting.The first step is both the easiest and the hardest – showing up.Other important keys are contacting potential supporters before youattend, and bringing supporters with you that evening.This manual willgive you the resources you need to feel informed and to achieve yourgoals in attending your precinct caucus meeting.

PRECINCT CAUCUS SYSTEM AND DELEGATES

Getting involved politically can be empowering and fun. It can also beintimidating and confusing. Information and preparation are critical tohaving a positive experience.

The Utah political system is unique.We are one of two states where thedelegates at conventions alone determine statewide and legislative nomi-nees. In Utah any person who will be 18 years old by the general election,and fulfill the requirements by their chosen party, can participate in decid-ing who from their party will be running for office.This is an amazingamount of power given to average voters who attend caucus meetings andget elected as delegates.

Precinct caucus attendees and delegates form the backbone of cam-paigns and the political party organizations.A strong turn-out for theprecinct caucus meetings will create a powerful grassroots force thatresults in politicians who are responsive to the people. For the precinctcaucus system to work as designed lots of people need to participate ora few might bring agendas that don’t represent your neighborhood. Thisbook gives you the tools to participate – Let’s get started.

7PRECINCT CAUCUS MEETING TRAINING MANUAL

THE POWER OF THE INDIVIDUAL

Does my vote really matter? The answer is YES. Just using this past elec-tion, three months ago, we found the Alta Town Council was decided by acoin toss after the candidates tied in the General Election. In a ProvoMunicipal Council race Gary Winterton barely edged out his competitionby an eleven vote difference and in South Salt Lake a $25million dollarbond proposal for a new civic center failed by just five votes. Your votenot only matters, it’s critical.

But as important as it is to vote – Utahans are not turning out.We rank45 of 50 for the percentage of voters participating in elections (source:U.S. Elections Project, George Mason University in The Salt Lake Tribune). Not tomention only about 5% of registered voters attend their precinct caucusto decide who our candidates will be.This really gives meaning to theold adage that the world is run by those who show up.

By attending your party caucus and being elected a delegate for yourprecinct, not only do you assure your voice will be heard during the generalelection, you will be one of the few Utahans who will filter out candidatesand decide who will be on the ballot for Primary and General Elections.

Voting and political participation make a difference both in the practicaloutcome of elections and in performing our duty to support our democratic form of government.

POTENTIAL STATE DELEGATE SLOTS

Republican approx. 4000

Democrat approx. 2700

40002700

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PRECINCT CAUCUS PROCESS AND BECOMING A DELEGATE:


WHY DO CAUCUS MEETINGS TAKE PLACE?

Utah’s system is close to the people and rewards engagement. Neighborscome together to select representatives (called delegates) from their ownneighborhoods.These people are the official representatives of the views andwishes of the voting precinct within their chosen party.These delegatesattend the conventions and cast votes to select candidates to run in generaland primary elections on behalf of their political party.These delegates alsovote on the content of the party platforms and governing documents (eachparty has a county, state and national platform).

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE CAUCUS MEETING?

You and your neighbors gather on Tuesday, March 13 at 7 p.m. if you are aDemocrat and Thursday, March 15 at 7pm if you are a Republican. Oftenthe party will have a few precincts meet at the same location (often calledconsolidation). If this is the case the larger gathering will meet first andparty leaders will introduce the agenda and if there are candidates inattendance they will address the large group. Depending on your partyofficers and which political party’s caucus you are attending, the meetingmight begin with the Pledge of Allegiance, prayer and conducting of partybusiness.Then you will break up into your smaller groups with only theneighbors from your precinct.

In this smaller group you will introduce yourselves, chat about the issuesimportant to your neighborhood and get to know each other better.Anyone participating can nominate other participants (or themselves) tostand for election as a delegate to county and/or state conventions.Thoserunning for delegate may be asked to give a short speech so that otherattendees can learn more about them and why they would like to be adelegate.The attendance at these meetings varies. Depending on the yearand your precinct, you may have 5 or 100 people at your meeting.Then atthe end of the meeting the group will vote for delegates.


WHEN DO PRECINCT CAUCUS MEETINGS TAKE PLACE?

Democratic Caucus Meetings: Tuesday, March 13 at 7:00 p.m.Republican Caucus Meetings: Thursday, March 15 at 7:00 p.m.

In even-numbered years, citizens elect candidates to National, Statewide,State House, State Senate, U.S. Congress, U.S. Senate, County and StateSchool Board offices. In any given year, candidate numbers will varybecause different offices have different term lengths.

In odd-numbered years we elect mostly non-partisan municipal offices. Inaddition, the political parties hold organizing conventions to elect their officers and review party platforms.

Delegates elected at the caucus serve two-year terms.

WHERE ARE CAUCUS MEETINGS HELD?

Caucus meetings are held in libraries, homes, schools, churches and govern-ment buildings. Sometimes a party will consolidate meetings with severalprecincts in the same location, like a school.You will need to know thename or number of your voting precinct, which is printed on your voterinformation card. You can also call or visit the website of your county clerkto determine your voting precinct (see pg. 31-34). Once you know yourvoting precinct number you can find the exact location of your caucus bychecking your local newspaper on the Sunday before the meetings, or byvisiting the State Party websites (see pg. 35).

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PRECINCT CAUCUS PROCESS AND BECOMING A DELEGATE

HOW DO I BECOME A DELEGATE?

You must be elected at your party precinct caucus. You must first be nominated, either by someone who supports you, or you can nominateyourself. If only enough people are nominated to fill the available delegateslots, your election will be easy. If more people are nominated than slotsare available, then you will have competition and some nominees will haveto be eliminated.

The key to becoming a delegate is a little advance work. It might makesense to call your precinct chair and/or leg chair (you can get that nameand number from your state or county party, see pg. 30-32.) and let thechair know you are attending and want to run for a delegate slot. Keep inmind that most of the meetings, voting on delegates will not occur until theend, so be prepared to stay the entire time. Most meetings are less thantwo hours.

To increase your chances of being chosen as a delegate you will want tohave someone (a friend or family member) be prepared to nominate you.You also should be prepared to explain why you should be the neighbor-hood representative. Occasionally people will bring a handout about themselves, but that is not usually necessary. The best way to get elected is to bring a large number of neighborhood friends and family membersto vote for you.

After you are elected as a delegate, make sure you schedule time toattend your conventions to represent those who have just elected you.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO BECOME A DELEGATE?

• You must live within the precinct/legislative boundaries of your caucus meeting.

• You must be at least 18 years old by the November election.• At Republican caucuses you must be a registered Republican.• You should bring photo ID with you.• You must be a registered voter in Utah.



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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A COUNTY AND STATE DELEGATE?

State Delegate:Attend the state convention to elect candidates that stand for statewideoffice i.e. Governor, Attorney General, etc., as well as party delegates whochoose Presidential candidates. If a district (i.e. state senate; US Congress)covers multiple counties, delegates from all the represented counties votetogether at the state convention. State delegates also approve the stateplatform and other statewide party issues.

The Republican Party of Utah elects up to 4000 state delegates and theDemocratic Party of Utah elects up to 2700 state delegates.The StateParty determines the number of state delegates each precinct can elect.

County Delegate:Attend their specific county convention, and address county only issues.These delegates narrow candidates for state house, state senate (if single county) as well as all County elected officials. They also approvethe county platform and all other county party governing issues.

The Party County Chair and officers, working with the State Party,determine the number of county delegates each precinct can elect.

For additional details see pull-out insert in this manual

12all r ights reserved ©2012

HELPFUL HINTS

T he following are a few ideas and strategies to help you get elected asa delegate:

• First, make sure your family members who are eligible attend your precinct caucus meeting and support your candidacy for delegate.

• Make a list of friends and supportive neighbors in your precinct.Call and ask them to attend the caucus meetings and support you in becoming a delegate.

• Call your county party and obtain contact information for your legislative district chair, and/or your precinct chair. Call these people before the caucus meeting and let them know that you intend to run fora delegate position. Ask them for any advice and help they can provide.

• Call your party precinct chair and legislative district chair if youwant to become a delegate but cannot attend your precinct caucus meeting because of a conflict. Sometimes a slot will open later for your district, and then they will have your name as a replacement. Remember their goal is to fill as many slots as possible.

• Before you go to the meeting take time to jot down a few reasons whyyou are running. It is much easier to support people who have thought about what they are doing.You should know your stance on the issues or candidates that may be hot topics, or be prepared to explain that you are undecided and still open to options.These topics can be found by regularly reading the paper or watching the local news.

• Be careful about having a strong agenda regarding controversial political issues or candidates.Your views should reflect the platform and positions of your party, but being too firm on controversial issues may hurt you. Usually, but not always, the people gathered that night will want to elect a delegate who doesn’t already have a strong, unmoving agenda on issues or candidates. However, that’s not always the case, and you’ll have to assess the situation.The major candidates running for office will be trying to “stack” the caucuses with their supporters, so it’s possible that supporting a particular candidate might help get you elected.It may be as important to think about what not to say, as what to say.


• Don’t worry if this is your first time. Don’t be intimidated by thosewho have more experience and who have been delegates in the past.Now it’s your turn.You have as much right as anyone to run and be elected.There is no secret to winning a delegate position.You just have to get the votes.You have all the status and experience you need to become a delegate.That’s the fun part.

• You may be asked to give a short, informal speech. Often the other attendees will want to know more about you and the others who have been nominated.You should have some thoughts prepared.Tell brieflyabout yourself and mention some things that are important in your community/neighborhood. Let the others know you are committed to representing them; that you will take the time and be committed to learning about the candidates and issues; and will support the party. Let them know you will attend the conventions—if they vote for you,their vote will not be wasted on a “no show.”

• Encourage your community and church groups to not schedule meetings that would conflict with the precinct caucus meetings.

• Know your county and state representatives. To find out who they are visit www.vote.utah.gov

• Handouts. As a general rule, it is not necessary to prepare a handout.But if you know the race for delegate will be competitive you may consider preparing a handout about yourself, why you are running, and what you want for your district and precinct.This should be no more than one page and should be simple and easy to read.You could mail the handout early to those you believe most likely to attend, as well as bring copies the night of the caucus meeting.

• Timing. Start talking about the caucus meeting with your family and friends a week or two before the meeting. Make calls a few days before the event. A phone call asking for support can also serve as a reminder to attend.

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HOW DO I STAY INVOLVED IN POLITICS?

• Make sure every 18 year old you know is registered and votes (if an individual votes in their first eligible election they are significantly more likely to vote in all subsequent elections).

• Attend your precinct caucus meeting every year. If you are elected a delegate make sure you attend the organizing conventions in 2013.

• Become an ambassador for your party. Get more involved in organizing,become an officer or serve on a committee for the State or County Party.

• Stay current on issues that matter to you, and bring them up with friends and family. Encourage others to talk more about community issues. Write a letter to the editor.

• Know who your elected officials are and hold them accountable.Contact them. Let them know when they are doing something you care about. Let them know you vote and pay attention.

• Spend a day at the State Capitol when the legislature is in session.Visit your state elected officials.

• Attend city or county council meetings when issues you care about are being discussed.

• Donate money to a party, candidate or issue.

• Help a candidate you support: give financial support, become a volunteer or campaign worker, network—talk to others about them.

• Most important:VOTE and bring 10 others with you.

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HELPFUL HINTS


“Bad officials are elected by good

citizens who do not vote.”

George Jean Nathan


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“Let us never forget that government is

ourselves and not an alien power over us.

The ultimate rulers of our democracy

are not a President and senators and

congressmen and government officials,

but the voters of this country.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt


REPUBLICAN PARTY: THE PROCESS

REPUBLICAN PARTY: THE PROCESS(Source: Utah Republican State Party, 2012)

Who can participate in the Republican Caucuses?As always, anyone can attend the Republican Precinct Caucus meeting.However, a Republican qualified attendee card is necessary to take part in vot-ing procedures and to be officially recognized to speak.To acquire a qualifiedattendee card you must be:

• At least 18 years of age by November 6, 2012• A registered Republican• Live within the precinct boundaries (proof of residency may

be necessary)

If you are already a registered republican you will be issued a qualifiedattendee card upon arrival. This will act as your voting card. For those whoare not yet registered as a republican, you may do so at registration. Onceyou have officially affiliated yourself to the Republican Party, you will beissued a qualified attendee card.

Who runs the meeting?The current or acting Precinct Caucus Chair shall conduct the entire meeting, even if a new Precinct Chair is elected at that meeting.

Caucus Meeting Agenda The State Republican Party sets the agenda. The individual precincts cannot adopt or amend the agenda. If multiple precincts meet in the samelocation they may complete all required business, as a group, prior to theNominations and Elections section of the agenda. Only the business setforth in the agenda may be conducted at this meeting. Each caucus meeting will follow the following format:

• Registration of Attendees/ Other Administrative Matters• Welcome/Introductions• Prayer


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• Pledge of Allegiance • Reading of the State or County Platform• Collection of donations• Review of Rules, Procedures, Duties of Precinct and Delegate Positions• Nominations and Elections (County Parties may change the order) for:

• Precinct Chair• Precinct Vice chair• Precinct Secretary and/or Treasurer• State Delegate • County Delegate

• Other Business as directed by State and/or County Parties• Select Election Judges• Adjournment of the Meeting

CAUCUS RULES AND PROCEDURES

Candidates for Precinct Offices and Delegate PositionQualificationsThose residents living within the Precinct boundaries, who will be atleast 18 by the time of the general election, and who are registered with the Republican Party including any residents affiliating that night,and properly credentialed may run for precinct offices and/or delegatepositions.

Rules of OrderThe State Republican Party sets the rules for caucuses. These rules cannot be suspended in whole or in part. Robert’s Rules of Order willnot be utilized in the caucus meetings. In addition to these caucus rules,the state party will provide a caucus packet for each precinct thatincludes all required materials and additional administrative instructionsdeemed necessary to facilitate a successful caucus meeting.


Rules for Debate/SpeakingEveryone will have an opportunity to speak to an issue once before any-one can speak twice to that same issue. If time limits on debate/speak-ing become necessary, they can be imposed by a majority vote of theeligible attendees.

NominationsNominations for each office shall be taken from the floor. Seconds arenot necessary. Only those with qualified attendee cards may nominateor be nominated. A qualified attendee may self-nominate. A nomineeneed not be in attendance.The Precinct Host may close nominations foran office only when no further nominations are offered.

ElectionsThe qualified participants will determine the length of the candidatespeeches for each office by a majority vote. Disclosures of candidateswith regard to platform planks, employment, personal views, support forindividual candidates, etc. are in order.

Voting will be by secret ballot in contested races. Absentee voting is notpermitted. Proxy voting is not permitted. Only those qualified and inattendance may vote.

Election results can be declared by acclamation if only one nominee issubmitted for any given office. A majority vote (more than half of the ballots cast) is required to be elected to any office. If a majority is notobtained in the first round, multiple rounds of balloting may be necessary.Ties shall be determined by a coin toss.

Precinct hosts shall designate two or more non-candidate ballot counters and inform each candidate they may provide a poll watcher.

REPUBLICAN PARTY: THE PROCESS


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PRECINCT OFFICER DUTIES

Chair: Conduct next Caucus meetings in 2012 & 2013 and direct partyaffairs within the precinct. Assist the County Central Committee by direct-ing party affairs with in the precincts. These activities could include:Recruit party volunteers, assist the county party chair, keep precinct mem-bers informed, assist Party campaigns and nominees, organize direct Get-Out-The-Vote campaigns, serve on the County Central Committee andattend party meetings.

Vice-chair: Assist the Precinct Chair with all of his/her assignments, par-ticularly with the Voter ID and Get-Out-The-Vote efforts. Attend theCounty Central Committee meetings when the Chair cannot.

Secretary: Keep accurate records, minutes, and lists for the precinct.

Treasurer: Keep accurate and detailed financial records for the precinct,including all revenue and expenditures.

The term of service for all positions is two years. If desired, the positions ofPrecinct Secretary and Treasurer may be combined into one office.Remember, precinct officers must be or become registered affiliatedRepublicans on their voter registration forms.

DEMOCRATIC PARTY: THE PROCESS


DEMOCRATIC PARTY:THE PROCESS(Source: Utah State Democratic Party)

Who can participate in the Democratic Caucuses?

You must live within the precinct/legislative boundaries of your caucusmeeting, be registered to vote and be at least 18 years old by theNovember election.You may be registered to any political party or youmay be unaffiliated and still participate or be elected.

Who runs the meetings?

The current or acting Precinct Caucus Chair shall conduct the entire meeting, even if a new Precinct Chair is elected at that meeting.

Caucus meeting agenda, rules and procedure

The Precinct Caucus meeting agenda, rules and procedures are deter-mined by each individual County Party organization. (See pg. 30-32 forCounty Party contact information)

State and County Delegates

County and State delegates will be elected in the 2012 Precinct CaucusMeetings. The number of county delegates per precinct is determined bythe County party.You can get this information for your precinct by callingyour precinct or County chair.

All Delegates are elected for two years.You are expected to attend con-ventions both in 2012 and 2013. Become familiar with Democratic issuesand candidates. Following the Party caucuses, the candidates may contactyou to gain support. It is important that you be well informed so you canmake smart choices. Remember, you represent the other Democrats inyour precinct.

If you cannot attend the meeting, you can still be nominated and elected if you provide a letter in advance to the Precinct Chair stating that youwould like to be elected.


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Precinct Officer Duties

ChairPrecinct Chairs are members of the County Party Central Committee,which is the policy making body of the County Party. As Chair you areexpected to attend County Central Committee meetings, and assist withother duties as requested by County Party Officers. Submit names of persons willing to serve as Election Judges, giving preference to activeDemocrats. Help Democratic Party candidates campaign in your precinct.Recruit campaign volunteers. Be prepared to host the next PrecinctCaucus or find someone who will.

Vice ChairPrecinct Vice Chairs are also members of the County Party CentralCommittee, which is the policy making body of the County Party. As ViceChair you are expected to attend County Central Committee meetings.Assist the Precinct Chair with their duties. In the absence of the Chair,assume the duties of the Chair. If the Chair should give up the position,then the Vice Chair shall become Chair.

SecretaryKeep a list of all known Democrats in your precinct. Inform otherDemocrats in your precinct of Party meetings, events and encourage them to attend. Help the Chair organize Democrats in your precinct to be campaign volunteers.

TreasurerWhile it is unusual, under party rules precincts may raise funds for the support of the Party and its candidates.To prevent having to fulfill legalreporting requirements yourself, we suggest that you ask the County Party Treasurer to manage the funds and handle the reporting tasks.TheCounty Party Treasurer could deposit the funds for your precinct and write checks for disbursements as needed.

Note: See pg. 22 for definitions of a nominating vs. organizing convention.

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BASIC DEFINITIONS


Politics – Practice and exercise of influence for a cause or on behalf of another person, group or interest

Precinct – Geographical area with no more than 1,000 voters

Caucus – A meeting, usually for a political purpose

Precinct Caucus – A meeting of the members of a political party to make policy decisions and select delegates who will choose candidates foroffice.These meetings take place every 2 years on even numbered years.Sometimes referred to as: Precinct meeting, mass meeting, neighborhood gath-ering and neighborhood caucus.

Delegate - Person elected at the caucus meeting who votes at the Party conventions to choose candidates to represent the Party in the elections.Delegates also vote on the party’s platform and other business.

Nominating Convention – Occurs in even-numbered years for delegates to elect the party’s nominees to run in the primary and general elections against the other party’s candidates

Organizing Convention – Occurs in odd-numbered years to elect

political party leaders, review party platforms and organizing documents.

Precinct Officers - Chair,Vice-Chair, Secretary,Treasurer (see pg. 16-21)

Leg – Slang for Legislative. Pronounced ledge, as in the prefix leg, not leg the body part.

Leg. Chair – The person appointed by the county party to organize the legislative district in which they live.They are often the ones responsible forpicking the location of the caucus meetings, communicating and slottingdelegates and working with potential candidates.

Partisan – Being affiliated with a political party.

Partisan Politics – Politics that require an affiliation with a political party.Examples: Governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House.

Non-partisan - Not affiliated with a specific political party. Examples:municipal (city) elections, initiatives, bond elections, referendums, school board.


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Grassroots – Refers to the underlying support and organization of a political campaign at the local and often individual level, including: the vol-unteers, the strategy to make personal contacts, the organizational systemin place that supports the activities the campaign does to reach out to vot-ers. A good political structure must have strong neighborhood roots, whichis the foundation of a good campaign.

Primary Elections – Held when one candidate does not receive 60% ofdelegates voting at their party conventions. Primary elections are used tonarrow the candidate field to one from each party.

District – The geographical area that an elected official represents.These districts are often created by the State Legislature, every 10 years in con-junction with the national census, unless they follow established boundariessuch as a city, county or state.

State races– Refers to political contests within the State of Utah. Statewideoffices are those in which candidates run in all 29 counties, (ie Governor).Others have smaller established districts such as the State House ofRepresentatives.

Federal races- Refers to political representatives for Utah on the National level. Utah has six federal representatives: 2 U.S. Senators;4 members of Congress.

County races – Refers to partisan elections in each of the 29 countiesthat have county-wide jurisdiction.

Municipal races – Refers to non-partisan elections in cities.

GOTV – Get Out The Vote. A political term referring to the process,organization and strategy that a campaign is using to make sure their supporters get out and vote for them on Election Day.

Targeting – Refers to a process of choosing who is most likely to vote for the candidate. Good campaigns will use their resources communicatingwith those most likely to be persuaded and interested in voting for them.


BASIC DEFINITIONS

Re-districting – The process of redrawing political boundary lines for Federal, State, and County districts based upon changes or shifts in population, usually with a good dose of political jockeying to create thebest districts for the party in control.This occurs every 10 years after theNational Census.

Consolidation – When multiple precincts in a legislative district meet atone location i.e. school.They will meet first as the large group for partybusiness and then break into small precinct groups (i.e. individual class-rooms) to elect delegates and precinct officers.

Multiple round voting – If no candidate receives a majority vote in thefirst round, the candidates with the most votes advance to additionalrounds of voting until a winner is determined.

Instant-runoff (or preferential voting) – This is a voting systemwhere delegates or voters rank candidates in order of preference.Thefirst-choice candidate on each ballot receives one vote. If a candidatesecures a majority of votes cast, that candidate wins. If no candidatesecures a majority of the votes, the candidate with the fewest votes iseliminated, and a new round of counting (not voting) takes place based on ranked preference. Elimination of candidates with the fewest votescontinues until one of the remaining candidates receives a majority of thevotes. So because you only fill out one ballot – one time, the trick is notonly who receives your first vote, but your second, third and so on.

Early Voting – Voting is not just open on Election Day anymore. Voterscan begin voting early up to 2 weeks before Election Day at designatedearly voting locations. Contact your county clerk for the early voting locations, dates, and times. (See pg 33-34)

Vote By Mail – Voters now have options.• Are you sick of going to the polls to vote? You can now vote by mail from your kitchen table every election. Simply request a permanent vote by mail ballot from your county clerk and they will mail you a ballot 2 weeks in advance of every election. Fill it out and mail it back.

• Are you going to be out of town Election Day? Request a vote by mail ballot from your county clerk and vote before you go.(See pg 33-34)


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NOTES

26

2012 CALENDAR OF IMPORTANT DATES


JANUARY

23 2012 Legislative Session Begins

31 County Clerk finalizes Precinct boundaries

FEBRUARY

1 Republican Legislative Breakfast

15 Republican State Convention Rules Available

MARCH

1 State Elections Office Certifies Precinct Boundaries 8 Legislative Session Ends9 Declaration of Candidacy Opens

13 Democratic Caucus NightBox Elder County Democratic Convention Garfield County Democratic ConventionPiute County Democratic ConventionRich County Democratic ConventionSan Juan County Democratic Convention

15 Declaration of Candidacy Closes

15 Republican Caucus Night

16-17 Carbon County Democratic Convention*Emery County Democratic Convention*Grand County Democratic Convention*

20 Democratic Party Jubilee

20 State Convention Booth Draw at 11am

21-24 Wayne County Democratic Convention*Sevier County Democratic Convention*Kane County Democratic Convention*Beaver County Democratic Convention*


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22 Rich County Republican Convention23 Summit County Republican Convention

Wasatch County Republican Convention

24 Iron County Democratic Convention*Washington County Democratic Convention*

24 Daggett County Republican ConventionUintah County Republican ConventionDuchesne County Republican Convention

27 Grand County Republican ConventionSan Juan County Republican Convention

27-28 Uintah County Democratic Convention*Duchesne County Democratic Convention*Daggett County Democratic Convention*Wasatch County Democratic Convention*

28 Last Day for Governor to Sign or Veto Bills

28 Piute County Republican Convention28 Wayne County Republican Convention29 Sevier County Republican Convention29 San Pete County Republican Convention

APRIL

2 Juab County Republican Convention3 Garfield County Republican Convention

Box Elder County Republican Convention

4 Tooele County Democratic Convention*

4 Emery County Republican ConventionCarbon County Republican Convention

5 Morgan County Democratic Convention

6 Kane County Republican Convention

MARCH (continued)

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2012 CALENDAR OF IMPORTANT DATES


7 Cache County Democratic Convention*Weber County Democratic Convention*Davis County Democratic Convention*Utah County Democratic Convention

7 Washington County Republican ConventionIron County Republican Convention Beaver County Republican Convention

10 Juab County Democratic Convention San Pete County Democratic ConventionMillard County Democratic Convention

10 Tooele County Republican Convention 11 Cache County Republican Convention 12 Weber County Republican Convention

Morgan County Republican Convention13 Davis County Republican Convention

13-14 Summit County Democratic Convention14 Salt Lake County Democratic Convention*

14 Salt Lake County Republican Convention Utah County Republican Convention

17 Millard County Republican Convention 20 Republican Pre- Convention Dinner Fundraiser 21 State Republican Convention

21 State Democratic Convention

23 Parties certify Candidates for Primary25 Lt. Governor certifies Candidates to Clerks

APRIL (continued)


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MAY

7 Last day a veto-override session may begin8 Normal effective date for legislative bills12 Ballots mailed to the Military29 Mail in voter registrations due for Primary Election

JUNE

12 Early Voting Begins

22 Early Voting Closes

26 Primary Election

JULY-SEPTEMBER

Campaigning continues

OCTOBER

9 Mail in voter registrations due for General Election23 Early Voting begins

NOVEMBER

2 Early Voting closes6 General Election

*Tentative dates available at time of print. Contact StateParty’s for more current information. www.utahdemocrats.orgor www.utgop.org (see pg. 35)

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DEMOCRATIC PARTY COUNTY CHAIRS


County Name Website Contact Email

Beaver Currently Open beaver.utdem.org

Box Elder Currently Open boxelder.utdem.org/

Cache Vince Wickwar cachedemocrats.blogspot.com/ (435) 512-1124 vincent.wickwar@ gmail.com

Carbon Jason Llewelyn carboncountydemocrats.org/ (435) 650-1918

Daggett David Hughes daggett.utdem.org

Davis Brett Garner daviscountydemocraticparty. (801) 573-4759 [email protected]/

Duchesne Roland Uresk duchesne.utdem.org (435) 671-2882 [email protected]

Emery Gary Petty emery.utdem.org (435) 286-2395 [email protected]

Iron Douglas Hawks www.ironcountydemocrats (435) 868-1024 [email protected]/

Juab Currently Open juab.utdem.org

Kane Caralee Woods www.kanedems.org/ (435) 689-1095 [email protected]

Millard Edgar Phillips millard.utdem.org (435) 757-2686

Morgan Ray Worthen morgan.utdem.org (801) 876-2572 [email protected]

Rich Currently Open rich.utdem.org

Salt Lake Mary Bishop www. slcountydems.com (801) 910-4620 [email protected]

San Juan Currently Open sanjuan.utdem.org

Sanpete Debra Fraser sanpete.utdem.org (801) 631-3883 [email protected]

Sevier Charice Black sevier.utdem.org (435) 896-8121 [email protected]

Summit Glenn Wright www. summitt.utahdem.org (435) 615-1417 [email protected]

Tooele John Odonnell tooeledemocrats.org/ (435) 830-5490 tooeledemocrats.org

Uintah Megan Risbon uintah.utdem.org (801) 891-7445 [email protected]

Utah William www.utahcountydems.com (337) 499-9220 willmatheson@Matheson utahcountydems.com

Wasatch Rudi Kohler wasatch.utdem.org (435) 671-3183 [email protected]

Washington Dorothy www.thewashingtondemsEngelman .com

Wayne Carol Gnade wayne.utdem.org (435) 425-3099 [email protected]

Weber Steven Olsen www.weberdemocrats.org (801) 731-3881 [email protected]

**Chairs are subject to change- contact State Party for updates. See pg. 35.


REPUBLICAN PARTY COUNTY CHAIRS

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Beaver Toni Rollins county.utgop.org/beaver (435)387-5558 [email protected]

Box Elder Tom Peterson county.utgop.org/boxelder (435) 723-1293 [email protected]

Cache Boyd Pugmire county.utgop.org/cache (435) 755-7663 [email protected]

Carbon Pete Yakovich county.utgop.org/carbon (435) 637-4517 [email protected]

Daggett Chad Reed (435) 784-3576 [email protected]

Davis Rusty Cannon county.utgop.org/davis (801)294-4518 [email protected]

Duchesne Brooks Snow county.utgop.org/duchesne (435)722-2446 [email protected]

Emery Bill Dellos county.utgop.org/emery (435) 748-2488 [email protected]

Garfield Elaine Baldwin county.utgop.org/garfield (435) 676-2403 [email protected]

Grand Jeramy county.utgop.org/grand (435) 260-0084 jermandmary@McElhaney frontiernet.net

Iron Dorian Page county.utgop.org/iron (435) 590-7726 [email protected]

Juab Connie Smith county.utgop.org/juab (435) 623-1572 [email protected]

Kane Mac Robinson county.utgop.org/kane (435) 644-8973

Millard Peter county.utgop.org/millard (435) 857-2555 petergreathouse@Greathouse netscape.net

Morgan Lars Birkeland county.utgop.org/morgan (801) 876-3991 [email protected]

Piute Bill Sudweeks county.utgop.org/piute (435) 326-4314 [email protected]

Rich Cloyd Cornia county.utgop.org/rich (435) 793-4578 [email protected]

Salt Lake Julie Dole county.utgop.org/saltlake [email protected]

San Juan Al Clarke county.utgop.org/sanjuan (435)678-3334 [email protected]

Sanpete Steven Clark county.utgop.org/sanpete (435)427-0561 [email protected]

Sevier Mark McIff county.utgop.org/sevier (435) 896-4461 [email protected]

Summit Henry Glasheen facebook.com/Summit (435) 615-9775 henryglasheen@CountyRepublicans comcast.net

Tooele Chris Sloan county.utgop.org/tooele (435) 840-5031 [email protected]

Uintah Joni Crane county.utgop.org/unitah [email protected]

Utah David Acheson utahcountygop.org/ (801)226-6250 [email protected]

Wasatch Aaron county.utgop.org/wasatch (435) 657-9544Gabrielson

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REPUBLICAN PARTY COUNTY CHAIRS



Washington Willie Billings county.utgop.org/washington (435) 635-0232 [email protected]

Wayne Stanley Wood county.utgop.org/wayne (435) 836-2772 county.utgop.org/wayne

Weber Matthew Bell county.utgop.org/weber (801) 475-8771 [email protected]

**Chairs are subject to change- contact State Party for updates. See pg. 35.

We’ve got to do a better job of

getting across that America is freedom

– freedom of speech, freedom of

religion, freedom of enterprise.... Let’s

start with some basics: more attention

to American History, and a greater

emphasis on civic ritual.”

President Ronald Reagan


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COUNTY CLERKS

Beaver County Paul B. Barton 435-438-6463 P.O. Box 392Beaver, UT [email protected]/

Box Elder CountyMarla R.Young 1 S Main StBrigham City, UT 84302-2548Tel. (435) 734-3393Fax (435) [email protected]/

Cache CountyJill Zollinger 435-716-7150 179 No. Main Street, Ste. 102Logan, UT [email protected]://www.cachecounty.org/

Carbon County Robert P. Pero 435-636-3224 120 East Main Price, UT [email protected]/

Daggett CountyVickie McKee 435-784-3154 P.O. Box 219 Manila, UT [email protected]/

Davis County Steve Rawlings 801-451-3213 P.O. Box 618 Farmington, UT [email protected]/

Duchesne CountyDiane Freston 435-738-1100 P.O. Box 270 Duchesne, UT [email protected]/

Emery CountyBrenda Tuttle PO Box 907Castle Dale, UT 84513-0907Tel. (435) 381-5106Fax (435) 381-5183www.emerycounty.com/auditor/[email protected]

Garfield CountyCamille Moore 435-676-8826 P.O. Box 77Panguitch, UT [email protected]/

Grand County Diana Carroll 435-259-1321 125 E. Center Moab, UT [email protected]://www.grandcountyutah.net/

Iron CountyDavid I.Yardley 435-477-8340 P.O. Box 429 Parowan, UT [email protected]://www.ironcounty.net/

Juab County Patricia Ingram 435-623-3410 160 N. Main Nephi, UT [email protected]://www.co.juab.ut.us/

Kane County Karla Johnson 435-644-2458 76 North Main Kanab, UT [email protected]/

Millard CountyNorma Brunson 435-743-6223 765 S. Highway 99, Ste. 6Fillmore, UT [email protected]/

County clerks can help you determine whether you are a registered voter, findwhich precinct you’re in and tell you where you should go to vote.

34

COUNTY CLERKS


Morgan CountyStacy Lafitte 801-845-4011 P.O. Box 886 Morgan, UT [email protected]/

Piute CountyValeen H. Brown 435-577-2840 P.O. Box 99 Junction, UT [email protected]/

Rich County Becky Peart 435-793-2415 20 South Main P.O. Box 218 Randolph, UT [email protected]/

Salt Lake County Sherrie Swensen 385-468-7400 2001 S. StateStreet,#S1100 Salt Lake City, UT [email protected]/index.html

San Juan CountyNorm Johnson 435-587-3223 P.O. Box 338 Monticello, UT [email protected]/index.htm

Sanpete CountySandy Neil 435-835-2131160 N. Main P. O. Box 100 Manti, UT [email protected]

Sevier CountySteven C.Wall 435-893-0401 P.O. Box 607 Richfield, UT [email protected]://sevierutah.net/

Summit CountyKent H. Jones 435-336-3204 P.O. Box 128 Coalville, UT [email protected]/index.php

Tooele CountyMarilyn K. Gillette 435-843-3140 47 So. Main Tooele, UT [email protected]/

Uintah CountyMike Wilkins 435-781-5361147 East Main Vernal, UT [email protected]/

Utah CountyBryan E.Thompson801-851-8128 100 East Center, Rm 3600 Provo, UT [email protected]/

Wasatch County Brent R.Titcomb 435-654-3211 25 No. Main Heber City, UT [email protected]/

Washington CountyKim C. Hafen 435-634-5712 197 E.Tabernacle St. George, UT [email protected]/

Wayne County Ryan Torgerson18 S Main StP.O Box 189Loa, UT 84747Tel. (435) 836-1300www.waynecnty.com/[email protected]

Weber CountyRicky Hatch2380 Washington Blvd Ste. 320Ogden, UT 84401-1456Tel. (801) 399-8400Fax (801) 399-8300 www1.co.weber.ut.us/Clerk_Auditor/www.co.weber.ut.us


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“Every county is renewed out of the

unknown ranks and not out of the

ranks of those already famous and

powerful and in control.”

President Woodrow Wilson

Utah State Democratic Party825 N. 300 W. Suite C400SLC, UT 84103(801) 328-1212Fax: (801) 328-1238 http://utahdemocrats.org/[email protected]: Jim Dabakis, State Chair

Utah Republican State Party117 East South TempleSLC, UT 84111Toll Free: (800) 230-UTAH(801) 533-9777Fax: (801) [email protected]:Thomas Wright, State Chair

Green Party of UtahP.O. Box 2215SLC, UT 84110(801) [email protected]

Libertarian Party of UtahP.O. Box 526025SLC, UT 84152(801) 565-1988 Office: (801) [email protected]: Jake Shannon, State Chair

Constitution Party of UtahP.O. Box 1215Bountiful, Utah 84010(801) 566-0099www.utah-constitution-party.org/Liaison: David Perry, State Chair

STATE PARTY CONTACTS


QUICK POLITICAL LINKS

Want to know your elected officials?Visit www.vote.utah.gov

Want to track your 2012 candidates?Visit www.utahpolicy.com orwww.elections.utah.gov

Want to know what your legislators are up to?Visit www.le.utah.gov

“Elections belong to the people. It is their

decision. If they decide to turn their back

on the fire and burn their behinds, then

they will just have to sit on their blisters.”

Abraham Lincoln


2012 OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION

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United States Representative (Districts 1, 2, 3 & 4)

Term: A U.S. Representative holds office for two years beginning on the3rd day of January, unless, by law a different day is appointed.

Qualifications: To be eligible for U.S. Representative from Utah a personmust be 25 years old at the time the oath of office is taken, a U.S. citizen for7 years, and a resident of Utah when elected.

Governor and Lt. Governor

Term: The governor and lieutenant governor hold office for four yearsbeginning on the first Monday of January after the election.

Qualifications: To be eligible for governor or lieutenant governor a person must:

a) be 30 years of age or older at the time of the election b) have been a resident citizen of the state for five years preceding

the election c) be a qualified voter :

Qualified voter :1) U.S. Citizen,2) a resident of Utah for at least 30 days prior to the

next election,3) at least 18 years old by the next election, and 4) their principal place of residence is in a specific voting

precinct in Utah.

United States Senator

Term: A United States Senator holds office for six years beginning on the3rd day of January, unless, by law a different day is appointed.

Qualifications: To be eligible for U.S. Senator from Utah a person must:a) be 30 years old at the time the oath of office is taken b) a U.S. citizen for nine years and,c) an inhabitant of Utah when elected.


2012 OFFICES UP FOR ELECTION

Utah Senate Districts: 1, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 19, 20, 23,24, 25, 27, 28*, 29

Term: A state senator holds office for four years beginning on the firstday of the annual general session after the election.

* Due to midterm vacancy, the candidate elected in this district will serveonly a two-year term.The district will be up for re-election again in 2014.

Utah House of Representative Districts: Districts 1-75

Term: A state representative holds office for two years beginning on thefirst of January after their election.

Qualifications for Utah Legislature: To be eligible for the UtahLegislature a person must be a U.S. Citizen at the time of filing, 25 yearsold at the filing deadline time, three-year resident of Utah at the filingdeadline time, and be a resident for 6 months of the senate or representa-tive district from which elected at the filing deadline time. No person hold-ing any public office of profit or trust under authority of the United States,or of this State, shall be a member of the Legislature (provided, thatappointments in the State Militia, and the offices of notary public, justice ofthe peace, United States commissioner, and postmaster of the fourth class,shall not, within the meaning of this section, be considered offices of profitor trust). Candidates must also be a qualified voter. A qualified voter is aU.S. Citizen, a resident of Utah for at least 30 days prior to the next elec-tion, and at least 18 years old by the next election and their principal placeof residence is in a specific voting precinct in Utah.


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Utah School Board Districts:1*, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15

Term: 4 years

Qualifications: A candidate must be and remain a registered voter in theboard district from which the member was elected or appointed and mustmaintain his/her primary residence within the board district from whichthe member was elected or appointed.No person serving as member of the State School Board shall also serveas an employee of the Utah State Office of Education, or the Utah StateOffice of Rehabilitation.

Process: The Governor appoints nominating committees for each schooldistrict by May 1.The Governor will designate one member to serve aschair of the committee.The Lt. Governor will then submit a list of all indi-viduals who filed a declaration of candidacy to the chair of the nominatingcommittee by June 1.The nominating committee then has until August 1 tosubmit a list of up to five, but no fewer than three candidates for the StateBoard of Education to the Governor.The Governor will select two ofthese candidates to be placed on the ballot by September 1.

“You cannot be... an active spectator.

We have too many high sounding words,

and too few actions that correspond

with them.”

Abigail Adams, to her husband John


NOTES

HOW DO I REGISTER TO VOTE

HOW DO I REGISTER TO VOTE

In order to register to vote in Utah you must:

• be at least 18 years old,

• a U.S. Citizen

• and a resident of Utah for at least 30 days.

You must re-register only if you:

• Move or

• Change your name, or

• Wish to affiliate with a different party.

If you meet the requirement to be a registered voter, there are severalways to fill out the required paper work.

• Online. Voter registration forms can be found at www.vote.utah.gov or from your local county clerk’s website. If you don’t want to register online, simply print out the form and mail it in. Don’t forget the postage.

• In-Person. Individuals can register to vote at any county clerk’soffice up until 15 days before the election. (Registrations received less than 30 days before the election will not be eligible for early voting.)

Voter Registration Deadlines

Remember voter registration forms must be mailed my Tuesday, May 29,2012 to vote in the Primary Election and Tuesday, October 9, 2012 to votein the General Election. If you miss the mail in deadline you can still registerin-person at the county clerk’s office and online at www.vote.utah.gov upto 15 days before the election.

Remember! Don’t forget to take a valid ID to the polls onElection Day!!!

“Politics ought to be the part-time

profession of every citizen who would

protect the rights and privileges of free

people and who would preserve what is

good and fruitful in our national heritage.”

Dwight D. Eisenhower

“One person can make a difference and

every person should try.”

John F. Kennedy

Precinct Caucus Meeting thru General Election

Political Process

• Elect 1, 2 or 3 delegates from every precinct to attend conventions

• Must be at least 18 years old by the November election and meet party requirements

NOTE: Candidates who receive 60% or more of the delegate votes in convention move directly to the general election; if that does not happen the top 2 vote getters move to a primary election

Visit party websites for caucuslocations: http://utahdemocrats.org

http://www.utgop.org

Precinct Caucus Meeting

Democrats: Tuesday March 13 7:00pmRepublicans: Thursday March 15 7:00pm

2012• Nominate or narrow the party’s candidates for State House, State Senate and County officials NOTE: if a district covers multiple counties (i.e. state senate) delegates from all the counties vote together at the state convention

• Approve party platform; vote on amendments

• Must be a registered Republican to vote as a delegate at Republican convention• Rules vary by party, check with party officials for qualifications

2013• Nominate and elect party officers• Approve party platform; vote on amendments

Delegates:

C O U N T Y C O N V E N T I O N

2012•Nominate or narrow the party’s candidates for State House, State Senate, statewide offices, US Senate and US Congress •Elect national delegates to attend the National Party convention to determine the party's choice on who will be the next presidential candidate•Approve party platform; vote on amendments

•Must be a registered Republican to vote as a delegate at Republican convention

•Rules vary by party, check party official for qualifications

2013• Nominate and elect party officers• Approve party platform; vote on amendments

Delegates:

S TAT E C O N V E N T I O N

ELECTED COUNTY DELEGATESPRIMARY ELECTION

• Vote on races that did not get settled by delegates at conventions• Any registered voter may vote in the Democratic Primary• Must be a registered Republican to vote in the Republican Primary

June 26, 2012

GENERAL ELECTION

• Every registered voter may vote

on all offices up for election; ballot

initiatives, referendums and

constitutional amendments

November 6, 2012

ELECTED STATE DELEGATES

A PUBLICATION BY THE EXORO GROUP

10 WEST 100 SOUTH, SUITE 300SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84101

801.537.0900

ALL R IGHTS RESERVED. COPYR IGHT 2012.