2026 Caucus Night
March 17, 2026 - Start Times vary from 6:00 to 7:00pm
Democrat Party Info: https://www.utahdemocrats.org/caucus
Republican Party Info: https://precinctportal.org/
Understanding the Utah Caucus System
Utah uses a caucus and convention system as one way for political parties to select candidates for public office and choose party leadership. This system allows registered party members to participate in grassroots decision-making at the neighborhood level.
What Is a Caucus?
A caucus is a local neighborhood meeting where registered members of a political party gather to:
- Discuss issues and party priorities
- Elect neighborhood delegates
- Participate in the party’s candidate selection process
Caucus meetings are typically held in the spring of even-numbered years during election cycles.
How the Process Works
- Neighborhood Caucus Meeting
- Party members attend their local caucus meeting. At this meeting, attendees elect delegates to represent their neighborhood at the party’s county or state convention.
- Delegate Selection
- Delegates are volunteers chosen by caucus participants. Their role is to represent the views of their neighbors when voting at conventions.
- Party Conventions
- Delegates attend county or state conventions where they:
- Hear from candidates running for office
- Ask questions and discuss issues
- Vote to nominate candidates
- Delegates attend county or state conventions where they:
- Depending on the race and party rules, candidates may secure a spot on the general election ballot through the convention process.
- Primary Elections (if needed)
- In some cases, if more than one candidate qualifies through the convention process, a primary election may be held where registered party voters choose the party’s nominee.
Why the Caucus System Exists
The caucus system is designed to encourage grassroots participation and allow engaged community members to have a voice in selecting candidates and shaping party direction.
- Supporters say it:
- Encourages community discussion
- Elevates informed participants
- Allows voters to engage directly with candidates
Others advocate for broader participation through primary elections, and Utah currently uses a hybrid system that includes both conventions and primaries.
Who Can Participate?
Participation in caucus meetings generally requires that you:
- Be a registered voter in Utah
- Be affiliated with the political party holding the caucus (rules vary by party)
- Attend the caucus meeting in your assigned precinct
How to Find Your Caucus Location
Caucus meeting locations and details are typically announced by each political party before caucus night. Voters can check party websites or local announcements for meeting times and locations.
Why Participation Matters
The caucus system is one of the earliest opportunities in Utah’s election process for citizens to engage in civic participation. Attending a caucus meeting allows individuals to:
- Meet neighbors and discuss issues
- Influence who represents their community at conventions
- Participate in the candidate nomination process