Democratic primary could prove decisive in Summit County Council races

Summit County Council candidates. Photo:

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — For the first time, Summit County voters will elect County Council members by district rather than at-large seats in a June 23 Summit County primary election.

The new District 4 and District 5 races have both attracted two Democratic contests, with Christie Babalis and John Kucera facing off in District 4 and Canice Harte and Meredith Reed competing in District 5.

While unaffiliated candidates have until June 15 to file for the November ballot, no Republican candidates entered either council race during the filing period.

Summit County allows unaffiliated candidates to seek office outside the party process, meaning the final November ballot will not be fully set until all filing deadlines have passed.

With two Democrats qualifying for the ballot, voters in those districts will choose a Democratic nominee in the June 23 primary election. The winners will then advance to the Nov. 3 general election.

Under Utah election law, the primary is not the final election, even if only one party fielded candidates, though the outcome of the primary may likely determine the winner of the general election.

Any registered voter who is not a Democrat but wants to participate in the Democratic primary must request a Democratic ballot by 5 p.m. on June 12.

Primary Election Day is Tuesday, June 23. Ballots were mailed to active registered voters beginning June 2 and must be received by the Summit County Clerk’s Office by 8 p.m. on Election Day.