twitter

The 2018 election kicked off Tuesday — at least unofficially.

Less than two months since Utahns voted in November, candidates can start declaring that they will try to gather signatures to get on the primary ballot. By the close of the first day of the filing period, 27 individuals signed up.

Among them? The state’s newly-elected Rep. John Curtis, R-Utah, who also collected signatures to run in last year’s special election to replace former Rep. Jason Chaffetz.

“I strive to continue to serve each and every one of my constituents while finding new ways to remain accessible,” Curtis wrote on Facebook about his decision. “I’m proud to represent Utah and the 3rd Congressional District, and I’m proud to launch our campaign to continue doing so in 2018.”

There’s also newcomer Mitchell Vice, a Democrat seeking the Senate seat Orrin Hatch will vacate this year. And 19 incumbents from the Utah Legislature joined the list (15 of them Republicans), including Rep. Keith Grover, R-Provo, who’s now bidding for a state Senate seat currently held by Margaret Dayton.

“We’re not surprised at what we’re seeing,” said state elections director Justin Lee.

During the 2016 election — the first year candidates could qualify for the primary through signature-gathering — 90 people declared their intent to get on the ballot through the new route. That year, though, included the race for governor and other statewide offices, so Lee says it’s not a direct comparison.

It’s also possible that Curtis’ success with the alternative method could embolden more candidates to try gathering signatures. That’s yet to be seen, and more candidates may still choose to go through the convention.

Candidates also have the option of gathering signatures and seeking the party convention nomination.

Those running for the Utah House need 1,000 verified signatures, Utah Senate 2,000, U.S. House 7,000 and U.S. Senate 28,000. The filing window closes March 15.

Here’s a list of who has filed an intent to gather signatures, so far: