The Personal Choice Party, which has existed in Utah ever since 2004, tried but failed to re-qualify for the Utah ballot this year. The party had polled enough votes in 2004 so that it was on automatically in 2006, but it did not poll enough votes in 2006 to be on automatically in 2008.

The party needed 2,000 valid signatures, but submitted only approximately 1,800.

Utah lists the qualified parties on its state income tax forms. In 2005, the first year the Personal Choice Party was listed on those forms, it received $17,200, or 9% of all the donations given to all political parties that year. In 2006 it received $6,668 and 2007 it received $6,042. These lesser amounts were still more than twice as much as any other minor party received. However, the Personal Choice Party never received these donations. It had no bank account and no treasurer, so the money reverted to the state. The Personal Choice Party was also unusual in having Bylaws that could not be changed, and a policy of never having party conventions. The party’s logo on the ballot was the well-known “smiley face” button.