ELECTION TUESDAY: Vote in person or absentee

Time to vote absentee in the 2020 election is beginning to run out, as absentee ballots may only be requested through Monday, Nov. 2, at 5 p.m. through the Washakie County Clerk’s office.

According to Washakie County Clerk Mary Grace Strauch, there have been nearly as many ballots requested absentee as the last two election cycles combined, with 1,369 ballots sent out this year, compared to 811 in 2016 and 590 in 2018. Out of those 1,369 ballots that have been distributed, 1,187 have been returned back to the clerk’s office.

Those that are still wishing to return their ballot and do not want to send it via mail, may return it in person to the clerk’s office during their normal hours, or up until 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3.

Absentee ballots may be requested either in person, by mail, over the phone at 347-3131, through fax or on the Washakie County website under the voting tab. Those wishing to vote absentee may also go vote at the Washakie County Courthouse which will observe social distancing guidelines throughout the voting process.

Voters are encouraged to vote absentee this year if they feel more comfortable. There will be social distancing regulations in place at the polling stations because of COVID-19. These will include six-foot distances between voters at all times, disposable pens, sanitizing each station after every voter and disposable privacy sleeves for ballots. Voters will not be required to wear masks but they will be available if voters choose to wear one, and a sneeze-guard will be placed to protect election judges, with judges wearing masks and gloves.

Those wishing to not vote absentee may vote at the polls on Tuesday, starting at 7 a.m. and ending at 7 p.m.

Voting in Worland will again be at the Worland Community Center Complex which will be observing social distancing guidelines. Masks will not be required but will be available. Voters will enter through the main entrance and exit out of the back of the main gym.

Voting in Ten Sleep has been moved back to the Ten Sleep Senior Center. Those voting in person at the senior center will enter through the front door and exit through the back door, social distancing guidelines will be observed.

Voters will be deciding on Worland mayor with Jim Gill challenged by Keith McDonald in a rematch from the 2016 election. There are two Ward 1 seats, two Ward 2 seats and two Ward 3 seats open on the council. Ken Shearer is challenged by Adam Martinez for his Ward 1 seat. Scott Schaeffer is unopposed for the four-year seat in Ward 1. Incumbents Mandy Horath and Kody DeMunbrun are challenged by Wendy Fredricks and Morgan Muller for the two Ward 2 seats. Fredricks topped the ticket in the primary.

Michael Sanchez and William Worley both accepted write-in nominations after the Aug. 18 primary for the four-year Ward 3 seat, and Mike Neufer is unopposed for re-election as he steeks the two-year Ward 3 seat.

Ten Sleep voters will select four school board members among five candidates — Jared Lyman, Erin Blutt, Sarah Anderson, C.J. Grimes and Brandon Weddle.

Worland voters will also select four school board members among five candidates — David Tommerup, Tim Wright, Tami Young, Brett Argeris and Jonathan Hake.

Ed Cooper, Republican, of Ten Sleep and Theresa Livingston, Democrat, of Worland are facing off for the State Senate District 20 seat. Rep. Mike Greear is unopposed for re-election to House District 27.

Rep. John Winter (R-Thermopolis) is challenged by fellow Thermopolis resident Levi Shinkle, Democrat for House District 28.

U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney (R), is challenged by Democrat Lynnette Grey Bull, Libertarian Richard Brubaker and Jeff Haggit of the Constitution Party.

Cynthia Lummis won the Republican nomination for the open U.S. Senate seat. She is challenged by Democrat Merav Ben-David.

And, while Wyoming residents did not have a chance to cast a vote in the primary for presidential nominees, they have the opportunity to vote for one of four candidates for U.S. president – Donald J. Trump, Republican; Joe Biden, Democrat; Jo Jorgensen, Libertarian; and independent Brock Pierce.

Judges Bobbi Overfield and Ed Luhm are up for retention by the voters.

Voters will also decide on a constitutional amendment regarding the amount of debt a municipality can create for sewer projects.

Pre-registration to vote has ended, but you may register at the polls on Tuesday.

A full sample ballot can be found on B6-B7 in this issue.