The Forward Party of Utah will soon hold its Salt Lake County Convention, bringing local members and supporters together to help shape the party’s direction in Salt Lake County.

The county convention is an opportunity to:

• Nominate candidates in Salt Lake County Races
• Connect with Forward Party members from across Salt Lake County
• Learn more about how the party is organized at the county and state levels
• Take part in conversations about local priorities, leadership, and the year ahead
• Help build a more collaborative, people-first political movement in Utah

The date and time for the Salt Lake County Convention is March 28, 2026 at Noon, at the Arlington Place 4th floor common room -  115 South 1100 East near the University of Utah.

Guest parking on West side of building might be okay, and there's a street to South - but be prepared to park on adjacent block.

Directions for West Side entrance: There are stairs in front, either side works.

Text or call 801-707-3707 if you need ramp access from the residents' garage.

Up the stairs is a glass entrance. Our generous host Susan Schulman will likely be there to greet you and let you in.

But if you need to use the entry screen, click Directory, type "Schulman." Her app will alert her to let you in.

Take the elevator to the 4th floor, turn right, and round the corner. The common room door will be unlocked.

Alternatively, you can follow a live YouTube feed here - but we'll miss the pleasure of your company and conversation!

The candidates who will seek nomination at the 2026 Salt Lake County convention are as follows:

• Senate District 9 - Lowry Snow - JLowrySnow.com
• Senate District 13 - Colin Smith - ForwardWithColin.org
• House District 26 - Travis Alico - Alico4Utah.com
• House District 27 - Jeff Marshall
• House District 40 - John Jackson
• Salt Lake County Council At-Large District A - Maleah Bliss
• Federal Congressional District 1 - January Walker - TheGreatSaltLakeAct.com

Candidate Nomination Process (County Convention)

There are two very important components that distinguish how Forward conducts party business and nominations:

You do not have to be an elected delegate to vote at convention. All party members and unaffiliated voters* are welcome.
Voters have the option to select "No candidate at this time."

The latter point is especially important. If the residents of a district feel that the candidate seeking to represent the Forward Party does not adequately reflect our shared values and community — or if another candidate in the race, regardless of party affiliation, is preferred by the majority — then the unopposed candidate will not advance to the general election in November.

This is how our party protects itself from unserious or bad actors, and how we respond to the persistent accusation that third parties are “spoilers” (a criticism we wholeheartedly reject, but one that must be addressed nonetheless).

Candidates are nominated at county convention if the district lies entirely within that county’s boundaries. After changes to the congressional map for 2026, this includes Federal Congressional District 1.

Voting Instructions

Important for voters: RSVP in advance. You’ll receive a personalized email with steps to verify your voter status so you can receive your online ballot and vote easily on convention day.

*Resolutions for 2026: On Monday, March 23, 2026, the State Central Committee approved that registered voters unaffiliated with any political party may participate in votes related to the nomination of Forward Party candidates for public office. You can read more about this process, including new amendments and resolutions, on our Charter page.