In a significant move aimed at enhancing transparency in local elections, candidates contesting for positions in Park City, Summit County, and school board elections will be required to disclose their campaign financial information earlier than they have in previous years. This change comes as part of a newly enacted ordinance, proposed by County Clerk Eve Furse, and approved unanimously by the Summit County Council during their last meeting of 2025. The ordinance, which will take effect for the 2026 election cycle, stipulates that candidates must publish their financial disclosures 14 days prior to an election. This adjustment marks a shift from the previous ten-day requirement, allowing voters more time to analyze candidates’ financial statuses and campaign funding sources. Furse emphasized the importance of this extension, stating, “I would have ideally preferred to have moved it to the three-week mark so that it would have coincided with ballots being available and voters could have financial information about candidates at the same time they started voting. But we’re not permitted to do that by state law, so we moved it to the earliest we could, which is 14 days prior.” Previously, candidates were only obligated to provide financial disclosures before Election Day in November. However, recognizing the importance of early voting and the potential impact of primary elections, the new ordinance also mandates that candidates submit their financial disclosures before any primaries. Furse noted that races can often be decided in the primaries, especially if a candidate runs unopposed, making this requirement critical for ensuring voters are well-informed throughout the election process. In addition to the timing of disclosures, the ordinance aims to clarify existing rules regarding financial reporting, particularly concerning political consultants. Furse addressed concerns that candidates might misunderstand their obligations when it comes to contracts with consultants, especially those stipulating that fees are contingent upon winning the election. She made it clear that all contracts, regardless of their payment conditions, must be included in financial disclosures. “Those contracts indicate a financial commitment related to their campaign,” Furse explained, reinforcing the need for complete transparency. The impetus for these changes stems from a broader desire within Summit County to improve electoral integrity and foster an environment of accountability among candidates. The county had previously adhered strictly to the financial disclosure standards set forth by state law, which Furse argued were insufficient for local needs. By adopting a local ordinance, Summit County aims to elevate the standards for transparency and provide voters with the information they need to make informed decisions. The unanimous support of the County Council for this ordinance signals a collective commitment to enhancing electoral processes. Council members expressed approval of the measures, recognizing that they will benefit not just candidates and their campaigns but also the electorate at large. By allowing voters more time to digest financial information, the council hopes to cultivate a more informed electorate, ultimately leading to healthier democratic practices within the community. As the 2026 elections approach, the new regulations will likely shape how campaigns are run in Summit County. Candidates will need to be more strategic in their financial planning and transparent about their funding sources, as voters will have increased access to this critical information. Furse concluded, “We think this ordinance will be beneficial, both to candidates, voters and our office, because that gives the most time prior to the election to get that information together and make it available to the public before things really get into the fray at the end of the election.” The changes reflect a growing trend across the country towards greater transparency in campaign financing, as communities recognize the importance of providing voters with the information they need to hold candidates accountable. As Summit County prepares for its upcoming elections, the implementation of these new financial disclosure requirements will likely serve as a model for other jurisdictions seeking to enhance their electoral processes and improve public trust in government. The ordinance represents not only a procedural update but also a philosophical shift towards prioritizing transparency and accountability in local governance. As voters gear up for the 2026 elections, they can expect a more comprehensive view of candidates’ financial backgrounds, which could influence their choices at the polls.