The two major political parties are close to wrapping up their county conventions and will meet for their annual state conventions on Saturday, April 27. So, what happens at the conventions and what is their purpose?

Here’s a quick overview.

What is a party convention and how frequently does it happen?

Party conventions take place annually, alternating each year between an organizing convention and a nominating convention.

In an organizing convention, party delegates vote on candidates for party leadership, platforms, and additions and amendments to bylaws.

In a nominating convention, delegates vote to nominate candidates for public office to be included on the electoral ballot – in most instances, the primary election ballot.

Last year (2023), the parties held their organizing conventions, so 2024 is the year for nominating conventions.

At county nominating conventions, delegates nominate candidates for county offices (county commission, county clerk, etc.) and candidates for single-county legislative seats (with legislative district geographic boundaries within a single county).

At a state nominating convention, delegates nominate candidates for statewide offices, including governor, attorney general, etc., and federal offices: U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. Delegates to the state nominating convention also nominate candidates for seats in the Utah House of Representatives and Utah Senate for legislative districts that cross county lines.

Members of the Utah House are elected to serve for two-year terms. Members of the state Senate are elected to serve for four-year terms. For these reasons, all 75 House seats are up for election every two years, and about half the 29 Senate seats are up for election every two years.

In the event a candidate receives the support of 55% of the delegates during the Democratic Party state convention, that candidate becomes the official party nominee. In other words, that candidate bypasses the primary election process and will be the Democratic Party candidate in the later general election. Similarly, if a candidate at the Republican Party state convention receives support of 60% of the delegates, that candidate becomes the official party nominee.

County parties also have discretion to alter the percentage thresholds and do so from time to time.

Is there another way a candidate can qualify to be included on the public ballot?

Yes, candidates may seek to become eligible to be included on the primary election ballot by collecting signatures. Each elective office has a different signature threshold as specified in the Utah Code.

How does someone become a delegate?

During nominating convention years, neighborhood precinct caucus meetings are held. Attendees at these local meetings elect county delegates and state delegates that serve for a period of two years. To be eligible, a candidate for Republican delegate must be registered as a Republican. Any registered voter can participate in Democratic Party caucuses and be elected as a delegate. Duties include representing citizens in their respective neighborhood precincts at the county and state conventions.

When and where are the state conventions taking place this year?

The Democratic Party will hold its state convention at Cottonwood High School in Murray on Saturday, April 27, beginning at 8 a.m. You can learn more about the details here.

The Republican Party will hold its state convention at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 27, beginning at 7 a.m. You can learn more about the details here.