Highland studies election process

HIGHLAND — One of the last of a dying breed, the Highland city election process is under review.

While most cities have moved away from the convention method of electing city officials, Highland and four other cities in Utah still employ this election process.

Under the current two-party convention election process used by Highland, voters from the People's Party and the Citizens' Party meet every other September to nominate candidates for the City Council and mayorship in the November election.

If the city opts to drop the convention method, there will be two options for the City Council to consider. The first would require candidates to collect 5 percent of city voters' signatures in order to get on the ballot. The second would be to do as the other Utah County cities do: implement a deadline by which anyone desiring to run for office must file for candidacy. A primary would be held if filings total more than two candidates per open seat.

The city has until June to decide whether to drop the convention process — the month when primary elections are held in Utah.