Too often in local elections, we are confronted with long lists of candidates we may know nothing about. Voters need more information, not less. The endorsements a candidate seeks (or not) can offer valuable insights about that candidate’s principles, priorities and positions.

Critics however, some who once welcomed Utah County GOP’s endorsements of Prop 11 and 14, are now working hard to malign their participation in local elections. You may have heard some of the misinformation being spread: the endorsements require a “loyalty pledge” (there isn’t one), it’s a “pay to play” model (it’s a filing fee to help cover costs for candidate events, cities charge them too) and, of course, that party leaders will “start picking winners and losers” (party leaders don’t decide who receives endorsements, locally elected delegates do). They say it’s about keeping “partisan politics” out of local elections yet they are eager enough to have special interests and PACs weigh in.

The fact is, local elections may be nonpartisan (i.e., party affiliations don’t appear on the ballot), but they certainly aren’t nonpolitical. Participation in local elections by political parties, organizations and special interests is nothing new. The Utah Democratic Party, the Progressive Caucus and Salt Lake County Republican Party already actively recruit or endorse candidates in local, nonpartisan races.

Equality Utah, Way Back PAC, Utah Valley Home Builders Association, Utah Central Association of Realtors and others have endorsed and/or funded mayoral and city council candidates here in Lehi. These PACs and lobbying organizations, some located outside Lehi and even outside the state, represent narrow segments of the population focused on specific issues or particular interests. They privately interview candidates or conduct surveys to find those most aligned with their goals. Though the campaign donations of these small groups may have a disproportionally large influence on local elections, the First Amendment allows them to promote the candidates they want elected in our local races. Knowing which candidates are backed by these groups is helpful. It tells voters something about their priorities.

Likewise, the Constitution protects UCRP’s right to also have a voice in local elections. Their endorsements, voted on by Lehi’s 200+ delegates, will provide useful information as well. There is a difference though.

Unlike PACs and lobbying groups, you know these delegates and the values they hold. They are your friends and neighbors. They live in your city, know the issues affecting the community and share your concerns. You may have even elected them on caucus night.

You also know what they stand for. The Utah County Republic platform, available for all to read, promotes principles that address local issues and aim to benefit the entire community — Republican or not. These principles include: planning ahead for infrastructure needs, equitable and minimal taxation, fiscal responsibility, protection of property rights, support for law enforcement, a well-educated and informed citizenry and environmental stewardship.

The UCRP endorsement process is also transparent. Rather than backing candidates with large donations voters can find only by combing through campaign finance disclosures, the UCRP’s support will come through the effort of local delegates vetting candidates according to Republican principles in public events you’re invited to attend. The County Republican party isn’t asking you to rely on their word alone, they’re providing opportunities for you to vet candidates yourself.

So while some loud voices decry partisan politics, the question isn’t whether political parties have a place in nonpartisan races. As with so many others, they already do. The question is — of all the voices weighing in on local races, why are some working so hard to silence the voice of locally elected Republican delegates?

It makes you wonder what they’re afraid of.

Michelle Stallings serves on the Lehi City Council. The opinions expressed are her own and do not reflect the official position of Lehi City.