March 27, 2006
Western States Primary Update
The Utah Legislature passed SB 60, the Western States Primary bill, during the 2006 session. The bill permits the state to hold a presidential primary on the first Tuesday in February in presidential election years. Proponents of a Western States Primary believe that it will result in candidates spending more time in the West and becoming more familiar with issues important to the region, and it may increase voter turnout. Governor Huntsman signed the bill on March 21, 2006.
In early fall, the Western Policy Research Network, will host a symposium on the Western States Primary Election. The symposium will bring together public officials, party leaders, and academics to discuss:
- potential of a regional primary to highlight western issues
- political impact of a regional primary
- costs and benefits of holding a regional primary
- challenges of implementing a regional primary
For more information about the Western States Primary Election Symposium, please visit www.westernpolicynetwork.org
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