Judicial Election Amendments

HB 262 changes Utah's judicial retention election rules by requiring judges and justices to receive at least 67% "yes" votes to be retained, instead of the current simple majority (more yes than no votes). This applies to all judges and justices seeking retention in Supreme Court, appellate, district, and justice court positions. The bill modifies the existing retention process without altering filing fees, ballot placement, or other procedural details. It directly affects every judicial officer facing a retention election under Utah law, requiring a higher vote threshold for continued service. The change takes effect May 6, 2026.