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2026 ELECTION CYCLE CALENDAR
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DISCLAIMER: This calendar is provided as a convenience and a reference tool, but it is not a substitute for Utah State Code. Always refer to the statute to comply with the law. If any inconsistency exists between this calendar and statute, the statutory language governs.
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DateEvent or Action RequiredStatutory Deadline or DateUtah Code Citation(s)
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OCTOBER 2025
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October 6, 2025If a political party wishes to be classified as a Qualified Political Party (QPP) for the 2026 election cycle, this is the last day to provide a QPP certification to the Lt. Governor's Office.No later than 5:00 p.m. on the first Monday of October of an odd-numbered year.20A-9-101(13)(d)
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October 6, 2025Qualified Political Parties must certify to the Lt. Governor's Office: (1) the identity of one or more registered political parties whose members may vote for the qualified political party's candidates and (2) whether unaffiliated voters may vote for the QPP's candidates No later than 5:00 p.m. on the first Monday of October of each odd-numbered year.20A-9-406(1)
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October 6, 2025Political parties must notify the Lt. Governor's Office of the party's convention dates.Before 5:00 p.m. no later than the first Monday of October of each odd-numbered year.20A-8-402.5(1)
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October 13, 2025Columbus Day (Holiday)63G-1-301
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NOVEMBER 2025
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November 3, 2025Prepare materials for next election year.Calendar, filing forms, candidate guides, website, etc.Best Practice
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November 14, 2025Lt. Governor's Office publishes a notice that (1) designates offices to be filled, (2) identifies dates for declaring candidacy, and (3) contains a description of any ballot propositions to be decided by the voters that have qualified for the ballot as of that date.On or before November 15th in the year before each regular general election. Deadline falls on a Saturday.20A-5-101(1)
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November 14, 2025Lt. Governor's Office determines the signature requirements for candidates based on November 15th voter registration data.On or before November 15th of each odd-numbered year. Deadline falls on a Saturday.20A-9-403(3)(c)(i)
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November 24, 2025Prepare Certificate of Laws for upcoming legislative session (Lt. Governor's Office Only).Prepare the certificate of laws for legislative printing. LGO Requirement
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November 25, 2025Counties shall publish the notice of election that (1) designates offices to be filled and (2) identifies dates for declaring candidacy.No later than 7 business days after the day on which the Lt. Governor issues the election notice.20A-5-101(2)
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November 27, 2025Thanksgiving (Holiday)63G-1-301
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November 28, 2025Lt. Governor's Office must publish the signature requirements for candidates.No later than November 30th of each odd-numbered year. Deadline falls on a Sunday.20A-9-403(3)(c)(ii)
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November 28, 2025Last day that a prospective political party may file a petition with the Lt. Governor's Office to register the political party for the 2026 Election Cycle.Before 5:00 pm no later than November 30th of the year before the next regular general election. Deadline falls on a Sunday.20A-8-103(2)
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DECEMBER 2025
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December 1, 2025If a county clerk receives an initiative packet on or after this date, they must publish signers' name and precinct on the county's website for at least 45 calendar days.On or after December 1st. 20A-7-207(2)
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December 15, 2025Last day for a county to complete signature verification for statewide initiative packets and deliver them to the Lt. Governor's Office if the initiative is being submitted to the legislature.No later than December 15th before the annual general session of the legislature.20A-7-206.1(3)
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December 23, 2025If a special district is having an election next year, the special district must post or publish notice of the declaration period.For at least 10 days before the first day for filing a declaration of candidacy.17B-1-306(4)
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December 25, 2025Christmas Day (Holiday)63G-1-301
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December 31, 2025Lt. Governor's Office must notify filing entities of the year end summary financial disclosure report.On the last business day that is at least 10 calendar days before the report is due. 20A-11-103(1)
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JANUARY 2026
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January 1, 2026New Year's Day (Holiday)63G-1-301
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January 1, 2026Last day that a county legislative body can alter or divide precincts for 2026.Cannot change precincts after January 1st. 20A-5-303(6)
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January 1, 2026 - January 15, 2026The chief election officer shall provide notice of reporting and filing requirements described in Chapter 11 to each filing entity that has provided physical/email address and falls under the requirements of Chapter 11.Between January 1st and January 15th of each year. 20A-11-103(5)
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January 2, 2026First day that a candidate can file an intent to gather signatures form.Period begins January 2nd.20A-9-408(3)(a)
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January 2, 2026 -January 8, 2026Candidate declaration period for partisan candidates, local board of education candidates, and local district board candidates. (NOTE: declaration of candidacy periods/deadlines are different for unaffiliated candidates, write-in candidates, and judicial retention elections).Begins January 2nd at 8:00 a.m. and ends four business days later at 5:00 p.m. 20A-9-201.5(2)
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January 2, 2026 - January 10, 2026Statewide, legislative, and state school board officeholders must file a conflict of interest disclosure with the Lt. Governor's Office.Beginning of the filing period through no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 10, 2026.20A-11-1603(1)(b) & (d)
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January 2, 2026 - January 13, 2026The county must post the following information on the county's website: (1) name and campaign contact info of the candidate; and (2) the office the candidate is seeking.Within 3 business days after the day on which the clerk accepts a declaration of candidacy.20A-9-203.5
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January 2, 2026 - March 13, 2026U.S. Congressional candidates may file their intent to gather signatures.For 2026 only. Beginning at 8:00 a.m. on the first business day of January and ending
at 5:00 p.m. on March 13, 2026. 		SB 2001
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January 2, 2026 - April 27, 2026Candidate declaration period for registered political party candidates. Begins January 2nd and ends on April 27th at 5:00 p.m.20A-9-202(1)(b)
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January 8, 2026The last day for a candidate to declare their intent to gather signatures.During the candidate declaration period. 20A-9-408(3)
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TBDFirst day that the LGO can create master ballot position list and distribute to counties. TBD
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January 9, 2026Complete the Voting Rights poster for distribution.Update this poster for the entire election year, translate into Spanish and distribute to counties.20A-5-102
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January 10, 2026Statewide candidates & officeholders, legislative candidates & officeholders, state school board candidates & officeholders, PACs, PICs, labor organizations, and political parties must submit a 2025 year-end summary financial disclosure report.Before 11:59 p.m. on (or before) January 10th of each year. Deadline falls on a Saturday.20A-11-203, 20A-11-302, 20A-11-401, 20A-11-506, 20A-11-602, 20A-11-802, 20A-11-1302, 20A-11-1502
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January 12, 2026Submit the room reservation requests for 2026. Request room reservations for applicable events for the year; election day, canvass meetings, candidate filing, etc. LGO Best Practice
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January 12, 2026Lobbyist Quarter 4 (2025) report is due.January 10th. If the due date for a financial report falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the report is due on the next succeeding business day.36-11-201(2)
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January 12, 2026Update office holders in VISTA.
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January 15, 2026 and January 16, 2026VOTE certification at Weber State UniversityThe clerk and the most senior employee who helps with elections shall become certified. If elected or hired before May 3, 2023, they shall begin their first session before July 1, 2024 and complete all sessions within four years after the election adminstrator begins the certification.20A-1-107
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January 19, 2026Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Holiday)63G-1-301
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January 20, 2026First day of the legislative session.The first Tuesday after the third Monday in January.36-3-201
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TBDLast day for the lieutenant governor to publish the master ballot position list.TBD
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January 30, 2026With the exception of 20A-7-609.5, county laws passed on or before January 30th are subject to a referendum in the 2026 General Election. Laws passed after January 30th are subject to a referendum for the 2026 General Election.January 30th in a regular general election year.20A-7-609(2)(c)(ii)
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FEBRUARY 2026
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TBDLast day for the lieutenant governor to establish the master ballot position list for the 2026 and 2027 election cycles.TBD
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VISTALast day for statewide initiative sponsors to submit initiative packets to county clerks. Before 5:00 p.m. no later than February 15th immediately before the regular general election. Deadline falls on a Sunday.20A-7-217(2)(b)
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February 16, 2026Washington and Lincoln Day (Holiday)63G-1-301
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MARCH 2026
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March 1, 2026County clerk must provide to the county chair of each registered political party a list of the number of poll workers that the party must nominate for each polling place.On or before March 1st. Deadline falls on a Sunday.20A-5-601(1)(b)
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March 6, 2026Last day of the legislative session.45 calendar days after the legislative session begins (excluding federal holidays).Utah Constitution Article VI, Section 16
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March 9, 2026 - March 13, 2026Candidate declaration period for U.S. Congressional candidates. Begins at 8:00 a.m. on March 9th and ends at 5:00 p.m. on March 13th. SB 2001
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March 11, 2026Last day to file an application for a statewide referendum on a bill that passed during the legislative session.Before 5:00 p.m. within 5 calendar days after the end of the legislative session.20A-7-302(1)
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March 11, 2026Last day for the Lt. Governor's Office to audit 2025 year-end summary reports.60 calendar days after the deadline to file a summary report.20A-11-1305
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March 13, 2026Last day for U.S. Congressional candidates to file their intent to gather signatures.For 2026 only. Beginning at 8:00 a.m. on the first business day of January and ending at 5:00 p.m. on March 13, 2026.SB 2001
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March 15, 2026Election officer must prepare an election notice for UOCAVA voters for the regular primary election and maintain it on its website. Please note that election officials are not required to send this notice -- it must be available when requested.At least 100 calendar days before an election. Deadline falls on a Sunday.20A-16-502(1)
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March 18, 2026Lt. Governor's Office must notify unaffiliated candidates of the March 28th financial disclosure deadline.10 calendar days before the report is due.20A-11-103(1)
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March 25, 2026Last day that a county clerk may remove a registered voter before the regular primary election unless: (1) the voter requests removal in writing, or (2) the voter has died.Restriction on removal begins 90 calendar days before the election and ends after Election Day.20A-2-505(4)
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March 26, 2026 and March 27, 2026VOTE certification at Utah Valley UniversityThe clerk and the most senior employee who helps with elections shall become certified. If elected or hired before May 3, 2023, they shall begin their first session before July 1, 2024 and complete all sessions within four years after the election adminstrator begins the certification.20A-1-107
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March 28, 2026First day that a Qualified Political Party (QPP) may hold a convention to nominate candidates.Fourth Saturday in March.20A-9-101(13)(b)
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March 28, 2026Financial disclosure report due for unaffiliated statewide and legislative candidates.Fourth Saturday in March. Deadline falls on a Saturday.20A-11-204(1)(a)(ii) & 20A-11-303(1)(b)(i)(B)
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March 28, 2026Green Party Convention
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30 days before conventionIf a statewide, legislative, or state school board candidate has a challenger in their convention, the requirement to report contributions within 7 business days begins.Within 30 days before the day on which the convention is held.20A-11-201(5)(b), 20A-11-301(5)(b), 20A-11-1301(6)(b)
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17 days before conventionLt. Governor's Office can notify filing entities of the convention financial disclosure report. (optional)On the last business day that is at least 10 calendar days before an interim report or summary report is due. (optional)20A-11-103(1)
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March 31, 2026Registered political party candidates must submit nomination petition signatures no later than March 31, 2026.No later than 5:00 p.m. on March 31st.20A-9-403(3)(b)(i)
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APRIL 2026
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Last business day 14 days before conventionSignature-gathering partisan candidates must submit nomination petitions to the election officer.No later than 5:00 p.m. on the last business day that is at least 14 calendar days before convention.20A-9-408(9) & (12)
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7 days before convention D/R/Const: April 18, 2026 (Saturday)Financial disclosure report is due for statewide candidates and officeholders, legislative candidates and officeholders, PICs, PACs, and political parties.Before 11:59 p.m. 7 calendar days before the convention. Deadline falls on a Saturday.20A-11-204(1)(a), 20A-11-303(1)(i), 20A-11-507(1)(a), 20A-11-602(1)(a), & 20A-11-802(1)
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1 calendar day before conventionElection officers must verify candidate petition packets that were submitted on the petition packet deadline. NOTE: there is a rolling deadline to verify petition packets.No later than the earlier of: 14 calendar days after the day on which the election officer receives the signatures OR one day before the candidate's convention.20A-9-408(9)(c)
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April 1, 2026Change of party affiliation deadline. For an election held in an even-numbered year in which a presidential election will not be held, April 1st is the last day to change party affiliation. 20A-2-107(1)(b)
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April 1, 2026The county chair and secretary of each registered political party shall file a list with the county clerk with a list of people who are willing to serve as poll workers.On or before April 1st.20A-5-601(1)(c)
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April 10, 2026Lobbyist Quarter 1 report is due.April 10th @ 5:00 p.m.36-11-201(2)
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April 10, 2025Independent American Party state convention
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April 11, 2026Forward Party state convention
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April 17, 2026Last day that an individual may file a written objection to a declaration of candidacy with the clerk or lieutenant governorBefore 5:00 p.m. on the last business day that is at least 10 calendar days before the deadline described in Subsection 20A-9-409(4)(c).20A-9-202(5)
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April 18, 2026Libertarian Party state convention
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April 25, 2026Constitution Party state convention
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April 25, 2026Democratic Party state convention
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April 25, 2026Republican Party state convention
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April 27, 2026Last day for a registered political party candidate can declare candidacy. First Monday after the fourth Saturday in April by 5:00 pm20A-9-202(1)(b)
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April 27, 2026Qualified Political Parties must certify to the Lt. Governor's Office the candidates who were nominated in the party's conventions.First Monday after the fourth Saturday in April by 5:00 pm20A-9-407(6)(a) & 20A-9-202(1)(b)
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April 28, 2026Last day a political party central committee may certify the name of another candidate if they will have a candidate in the primary and only one or two filed and one or both of them die, resign or are disqualified (exception in 20A-1-501(6)).After the close of the period for filing a declaration of candidacy and continuing through the day before the day on which the lieutenant governor provides the list described in Subsection 20A-9-403(4)(a)20A-1-501(2)(a)
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April 29, 2026The Lt. Governor's Office publishes the primary election certification that contains the list of primary election candidates.Before 5:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday after the 4th Saturday in April.20A-9-409(4)(c)
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April 29, 2026Set up the election in Enhanced Voting.The LGO must set up this platform in order for counties to have the ability to "publish" ballots.LGO Requirement
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April 30, 2026Last day for the lieutenant governor to declare a statewide initiative as sufficient or insufficient.On or before April 30th before the regular general election.20A-7-207(3)(a)
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MAY 2026
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May 5, 2026Lt. Governor's Office must notify state school board candidates and officeholders of the May 15th financial disclosure report deadline.Last business day that is 10 calendar days before the report is due.20A-11-103(1)
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May 6, 2026Effective date of bills passed in the 2026 legislative session (unless otherwise specified in the bill.)60 days after the end of the legislative session.Utah Constitution Article VI, Section 25
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TBDElection officer shall post the logic and accuracy test public notice 10 days before the test.At least 10 calendar days before the test. (The test must occur anytime before ballots are counted, so this deadline may vary depending on the county's tabulation schedule.)20A-4-104(1)(b)
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May 8, 2026Election officers must transmit ballots to military and overseas voters.No later than 45 calendar days before the election. (Deadline moved to the previous business day because it is federal law.)20A-16-403(1)
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May 8, 2026Last day for a candidate to submit a candidate profile for the regular primary election on vote.utah.govNo later than 5:00 p.m. on the last business day that is at least 45 calendar days before the primary election.20A-7-801(4)(a)(ii)
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May 11, 2026Last day to: (1) post a copy of the sample ballot at the election officer's office; (2) mail a copy of the sample ballot to every candidate listed on the ballot; (3) and provide a copy of the sample ballot to the Lt. Governor's Office.No later than 45 calendar days before the election. Deadline falls on a Saturday. Per SB 194 deadline was moved to next business day.20A-5-405(1)(f)
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May 11, 2026Last day that an individual may file a pre-election challenge to a voter's eligibility for the regular primary election if the challenged voter is currently registered to vote. The election officer must notify the voter who was challenged at least 28 days before the election.At least 45 calendar days before the election. Deadline falls on a Saturday. Per SB 194 deadline was moved to next business day.20A-3a-804(1)(b)(ii)
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May 15, 2026If the lieutenant governor refuses to declare an initiative petition sufficient that a voter believes is legally sufficient, the voter may, apply to the appropriate court for an order finding the initiative petition legally sufficient.No later than May 15th.20A-7-207(6)(a)
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May 15, 2026Financial disclosure report due for state school board candidates and officeholders.May 15th.20A-11-1303(1)(c)
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TBDConduct logic and accuracy tests on voting and tabulation equipment.The test must occur anytime before ballots are counted, so this deadline may vary depending on the county's tabulation schedule.20A-4-104(1)
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May 24, 2026If a statewide, legislative, or state school board candidate has a challenger in the regular primary election, the requirement to report contributions within 7 business days begins.Within 30 calendar days before the day on which the regular primary election is held.20A-11-201(5)(b), 20A-11-301(5)(b), 20A-11-1301(6)(b)
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May 25, 2026Memorial Day (Holiday)63G-1-301