Election System Survey

NOTE: THE SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED. THE SURVEY SERVED AS A TOOL TO GATHER THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS FROM OUR RESIDENTS ABOUT THE ELECTION SYSTEM IN FRUIT HEIGHTS. 

SEE THE RESULTS!

RESULTS FROM THE SURVEY WILL NOT CREATE AN IMMEDIATE DECISION OR CHANGE, BUT RATHER SERVE AS ANOTHER STEP IN GATHERING FEEDBACK AND INFORMATION FOR THE COUNCIL TO CONSIDER. WE APPRECIATE OUR RESIDENTS AND THEIR OPINIONS. THANK YOU!

NEXT STEPS
Your city council will now review the information gathered in the survey. The council will discuss the survey and any possible outcomes at the next city council meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 7 pm at City Hall. 

You may contact your council by emailing citycouncil@fruitheightscity.com. 

Election System Survey

Fruit Heights currently uses a nonpartisan caucus system to nominate candidates for office. For years, there have been questions from residents about this caucus process. Our City staff has received repeated requests to consider changing the system to a nonpartisan primary process. Notice, both systems are nonpartisan. 

The requests for change were brought to the attention of the city council. The council discussed the concerns of residents in council meetings, and the council recently asked the staff to conduct a survey to get the opinions of more residents.

We invite residents to review information about both systems, and to take the election system survey. The survey is a  tool to help gather opinions from residents. Results will not create an immediate decision or change, but rather serve as another step in gathering feedback and information for the council to consider.

Thank you,
Darren Frandsen, City Manager

WHY A SURVEY ABOUT ELECTIONS?

Following years of questions about our current system, the city council would like to hear what residents think about our election process. Fruit Heights does elections a bit different than other cities. 

CURRENT SYSTEM - Fruit Heights City currently uses a Caucus System. In the Caucus System, all registered voters in Fruit Heights are invited to a single night event. Those from the community who attend that evening split themselves into two non-partisan parties known in Fruit Heights as the Pinecone and Sagebrush parties. The two parties meet in separate rooms. In each room, community members nominate qualified individuals for office. Individuals may not nominate themselves. Community members in attendance in each room vote to determine the final candidates for office. Final candidates from each room then face each other on the general election ballot. Learn more about the history of the caucus system in Fruit Heights.

POSSIBLE CHANGE - Fruit Heights City is considering a change to a Primary Election System. The Primary Election System is used by most cities in Utah. In this non-partisan system, any qualified registered voter living in Fruit Heights may declare their intent to run for office. A city-wide primary election is held. All registered voters will receive a primary ballot where they may vote to determine the final candidates. The final candidates then face each other on the general election ballot. In certain circumstances, due to the number of declared municipal candidates, the Primary Election could involve an increased cost to the City of about $4,000. Funds to cover this cost will come from the City's General Fund.

THE SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED. THE SURVEY WAS OPEN FOR COMMENTS THROUGH FEBRUARY 12, 2025. LOOK FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FINDINGS AND ANY FUTURE DISCUSSIONS BY THE CITY COUNCIL IN THE COMING DAYS AND WEEKS. 

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!