The Murray Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is hosting one of the largest "Meet the Candidates" events in Utah. Scheduled for Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, the open house will take place in the Murray High School Commons.

Designed as an informal, face-to-face gathering, the event features no formal speeches or party-line rallies. Over 20 candidates across all political parties who represent Murray residents—including U.S. House District 1, Salt Lake County positions, state offices, and local school board seats—have been invited to participate. Voters will also have the opportunity to learn about ballot measures on this year's ballot.

Children are welcome, and all community members are encouraged to attend.

The Power of Local Civic Engagement

Events like Meet the Candidates offer voters a direct line to decision-makers whose choices impact school budgets, district resources, and community safety. Face-to-face conversations allow residents to ask targeted questions about local education policies before casting their ballots.

PTA organizations play a vital role in hosting nonpartisan events that bridge local politics and community advocacy. By creating spaces for accessible dialogue, parent leadership groups ensure school interests remain central to local governance.

Research Shows Benefits of Parent Involvement

Active parent involvement through organizations like the PTA extends far beyond civic events—it directly drives student success.

• Academic Achievement: Decades of research, including landmark studies by Henderson and Mapp (A New Wave of Evidence), demonstrate that students with involved parents earn higher grades, score better on standardized tests, and graduate at higher rates regardless of family background.

• School Climate: Findings from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) show that robust PTA engagement correlates with improved student attendance, better classroom behavior, and higher teacher satisfaction across district schools.

Event At-a-Glance

• Date & Time: Monday, Oct. 19, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Location: Murray High School Commons, 5440 S. State Street (Park on the south side for best access)

• Details: Free, open house format; kids welcome

• Contact: For questions, go here to email Murray PTA