Many parts of Utah County now look like a swing state in a presidential election. Campaign billboards and large signs can be seen all over the county. Thousands of yard signs adorn lawns and street corners.

What's going on here? Isn't this the county where Republican incumbents win year after year despite ethics accusations, their slavish attention to a small minority of extremists in the Eagle Forum, and votes contrary to their constituents' views on issues such as vouchers or additional support for public education?

Not quite. This year is different. Democratic candidates for various state legislative races are waging real battles. First, the candidates themselves are remarkable: They include a former university president, a former school superintendent, a former city council member, a current school board member, and other well qualified candidates. They've been aggressive fundraisers.

And their supporters aren't the usual suspects. Many Republicans are giving their endorsements to these Democratic candidates, including some former Republican legislative and party leaders.

Let me provide a preview of what will happen if voters choose these Democratic candidates in Utah County this year:

Voters get to decide elections. Too often, the decision of who becomes an elected official is made in a closed Republican primary or an even more restrictive Republican convention. However, if Democratic candidates win this year, then it will encourage other candidates to run in the future. Suddenly, election after election includes two viable candidates running in a general election and not just one.

Voters get better representation of their views. Utah County Democrats are more in the mainstream than their Republican incumbent opponents. Like most Utah County voters, Utah County Democrats are conservative on social issues like abortion and same-sex marriage. But also like most Utah County voters (and unlike the current incumbents), they are strong supporters of public education, don't want Utah County to lag behind the rest of the Wasatch Front on public transit and favor serious ethics reform for legislators and other government officials.

Voters get much needed reform within the Republican Party. As they've become increasingly secure electorally, many incumbents have become arrogant. They don't listen to their constituents. They rely on robocalls and e-mail blasts to communicate.