House approves instant-runoff style change for primary ballots in close vote

The Utah House narrowly approved substitute House Bill 205 on Feb. 17, 2023, implementing a contingent voting process intended to simulate a runoff when primary contests include more than two candidates.

Representative Tesher, sponsor of the substitute, described the system as a way to secure majority winners without a separate runoff election. "When there is more than 2 candidates on a ballot, it would ask the voter to give their preference for those candidates," Tesher said, explaining that if no candidate receives more than 50% of first-choice votes, officials would reprocess preferences to determine the top two and simulate a runoff outcome without additional balloting.

Supporters said the approach avoids the expense and turnout problems of traditional runoffs while ensuring nominees have majority backing. "This addresses the plurality issue elegantly," Representative Kyle said during debate.

Opponents argued the ballot-casting method resembles ranked-choice voting and urged caution. Representative Thurston noted that, while counted differently, the method for casting a ballot is the same as ranked-choice voting and raised concerns about public understanding.

Outcome and next step: Substitute HB205 passed the House 38-36 and will be sent to the Senate for further consideration.