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A group that aims to select its U.S. presidential nominee through online voting has qualified to appear on the Utah ballot next year.
Americans Elect announced Wednesday that the Utah Lieutenant Governor's Office certified it for the ballot. Last month, it dropped off petitions with what it said were 4,000 signatures from registered Utah voters, more than twice the number needed to qualify for the ballot.
That group plans to hold a national online convention in June, and anyone can vote who registers to be a delegate at its website, AmericansElect.org.
While the group's website says it is trying to create the "first nonpartisan presidential nomination in history," it allows people to nominate and vote for Democrats and Republicans, too. But its bylaws do not allow its nominee to pick a person from his or her own party as a running mate.
"It's wonderful that we're going to have another choice on the ballot," said Catherine Martone, a volunteer for the group who dropped off its petitions. "We are a state of frustrated Republicans, independents and Democrats and we need a voice. Hopefully, this will provide that voice."
Utah is the ninth state where Americans Elect has gained access to the ballot. Other states includes Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Kansas, Nevada, Michigan, Florida and Ohio.
The group said it is awaiting certification in California, Colorado and Hawaii. It said gathering signatures to appear on ballots is under way in many other states.