§ 20A-6-305. Master ballot position list -- Random selection -- Procedures -- Publication -- Surname -- Exemptions. (Effective 1/1/2015)

(1) As used in this section, "master ballot position list" means an official list of the 26 characters in the alphabet listed in random order and numbered from one to 26 as provided under Subsection (2).

(2) The lieutenant governor shall:

(a) by November 15 in the year before each regular general election, conduct a random selection to establish the master ballot position list for the next year and the year following in accordance with procedures established under Subsection (2)(c);

(b) publish the master ballot position lists on the lieutenant governor's election website on or before November 15 in the year before each regular general election; and

(c) establish written procedures for:

(i) the election official to use the master ballot position list; and

(ii) the lieutenant governor in:

(A) conducting the random selection in a fair manner; and

(B) providing a record of the random selection process used.

(3) In accordance with the written procedures established under Subsection (2)(c)(i), an election officer shall use the master ballot position list for the current year to determine the order in which to list candidates on the ballot for an election held during the year.

(4) To determine the order in which to list candidates on the ballot required under Subsection (3), the election officer shall apply the randomized alphabet using:

(a) the candidate's surname;

(b) for candidates with a surname that has the same spelling, the candidate's given name;

(c) the surname of the president and the surname of the governor for an election for the offices of president and vice president and governor and lieutenant governor; and

(d) if the ballot provides for a ticket or a straight party ticket, the registered political party name.

(5) This section does not apply to:

(a) an election for an office for which only one candidate is listed on the ballot; or

(b) a judicial retention election under Section 20A-12-201.

Amended by Chapter 17, 2014 General Session