A novel method of voting is underway, as voters in Utah’s Senate District 11 have a week to weigh in online about who will replace outgoing state Sen. Daniel Thatcher.

Thatcher, a former Republican who switched to the Utah Forward Party earlier this year, plans to step down from his seat ahead of the 2026 general legislative session, allowing the party to nominate a candidate to replace him. The governor typically selects interim replacements recommended by the party of the outgoing lawmaker, and parties typically nominate replacements selected by the relatively small number of party delegates in the district.

But this time, the Utah Forward Party is opening the process up to all voters in District 11, regardless of party, and letting voters cast their votes online.

“This is a great

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