1. (1) The regular primary election is held on the date specified in Section 20A-1-201.5.

2. (2)

   1. (a) A qualified political party that nominates only one candidate for an elective office under Section 20A-9-407 and does not have a candidate qualify as a candidate for that office under Section 20A-9-408:

      1. (i) may not participate in the primary election for that office; and
      2. (ii) will appear as a candidate for that office on the regular general election ballot.

   2. (b) A qualified political party that has only one candidate qualify as a candidate for an elective office under Section 20A-9-408 and does not nominate a candidate for that office under Section 20A-9-407:

      1. (i) may not participate in the primary election for that office; and
      2. (ii) will appear as a candidate for that office on the regular general election ballot.
   3. (c) A qualified political party that nominates one or more candidates for an elective office under Section 20A-9-407 and has one or more candidates qualify as a candidate for that office under Section 20A-9-408 shall participate in the primary election for that office.
   4. (d) A qualified political party that has two or more candidates qualify as candidates for an elective office under Section 20A-9-408, and does not nominate a candidate for that office under Section 20A-9-407, shall participate in the primary election for that office.
   5. (e) A qualified political party that nominates two candidates for an elective office under Section 20A-9-407, and does not have a candidate qualify as a candidate for elective office under Section 20A-9-408, shall participate in the primary election for that office.

3. (3) Notwithstanding Subsection (2), in an opt-in county, as defined in Section 17-62-201 or 17-62-202, a qualified political party shall participate in the primary election for a county commission office if:

   1. (a) there is more than one:

      1. (i) open position as defined in Section 17-62-201; or
      2. (ii) midterm vacancy as defined in Section 17-62-201; and
   2. (b) the number of candidates nominated under Section 20A-9-407 or qualified under Section 20A-9-408 for the respective open positions or midterm vacancies exceeds the number of respective open positions or midterm vacancies.

Amended by Chapter 329, 2026 General Session