Don't forget your ID as you head to the polls Tuesday; Many party nominations up for grabs at federal, state, county levels

WORLAND — When going to the polls next Tuesday for the primary election do not forget your ID.

One of the biggest election changes from the 2020 election in Wyoming is the voters, who have for years been required to have identification to register to vote, will be required to show ID when voting at the polls.

Several forms of ID are acceptable, Wyoming driver’s license or ID Card, tribal ID card, valid US passport, US military card, driver’s license or ID card from another state, University of Wyoming student ID, Wyoming community college student ID, Wyoming public school student ID, valid Medicare or Medicaid insurance card.

Eligible voters can still register at the polls but early registration has ended. Voters may change party affiliation at the polls as well but they will be required to fill out a new voter registration card, according to County Clerk Mary Grace Strauch.

She said voters who wish to change party affiliation after the election must wait at least 30 days.

Regarding absentee ballots, Strauch said as of Aug. 4 there were 354 that had been requested and sent out with 221 returned.

The last non-presidential primary election in 2018 showed 3,943 registered voters on election day with 2,210 casting votes (56% voter turnout).

There are 4,122 registered voters as of Aug. 5.

Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday with Worland area voters going to the Worland Community Center Complex and Ten Sleep area voters going to the Ten Sleep Senior Center.

Strauch said they will have proper social distancing for those voting and those waiting in line.

Wyoming law requires that employees be given one hour off to vote on election day. However, there are some exceptions. The law does not apply to employees with three or more consecutive nonworking hours during the time polls are open, and some federal agencies are exempt.

CANDIDATES

There are many offices for people to cast votes on during the primary election and there have been candidates who have withdrawn but will still be on the ballot.

Strauch said locally, Fred Frandson, who passed away Aug. 1, had withdrawn from the race prior to his death.

Brittney Bowman and Dustin Allen Bowman have withdrawn as District 5-1 Republican precinct committeewoman and committeeman, respectively.

Statewide, Republican Dan Dockstader has withdrawn from the race for secretary of state and Republican Thomas Kelly has withdrawn from the race for state superintendent of public instruction.

“All of the notices will be posted on election day,” Strauch said.

Those on the ballot include:

U.S. House — There are five candidates for the Republican nomination and they are incumbent Liz Cheney and challengers Robyn Belinskey, Anthony Bouchard, Harriet Hageman and Denton Knapp.

There are three Democratic candidates for that party’s nomination and they are Lynnette Grey Bull, who ran in 2020; Meghan R. Jensen and Steve Helling.

All five top offices for the State of Wyoming are up this year.

Governor — Incumbent Mark Gordon is challenged on the Republican ticket by Brent Bien, James Scott Quick and Rex Rammell.

Vying for the Democratic nomination are Worland’s Theresa Livingston and Rex Wilde.

Secretary of State — Three Republicans are seeking that party’s nomination and they are Mark Armstrong, Chuck Gray and Tara Nethercott. No Democrats have filed.

State Auditor Kristine Racines (Republican) is unopposed on the primary election ballot in her bid for re-election.

State Treasurer Curt Meier is challenged by Bill Gallop for the Republican nomination for that position. No Democrats have filed.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction — Appointed State Superintendent Brian Schroeder is challenged for the Republican nomination by Megan Degenfelder, Robert J. White III and Jennifer Zerba. Democrat Sergio A Maldonado Sr. is unopposed for his party’s nomination.

In the state legislator, Martha Lawley is unopposed in the primary as she seeks the Republican nomination for House District 27. Mike Greear is retiring after his term ends this year.

All House Districts are up every two years.

John Winter is unopposed for the Republican nomination for House District 28 and Kimberly Bartlett is unopposed for the Democratic party nomination.

With Jamie Flitner not seeking re-election, House District 26 in Big Horn County is open with four Republicans seeking the seat — Dalton Banks, Gary Welch, Tim Beck and Timothy Mills.

State Senator Ed Cooper is in the middle of his four-year term and only uneven numbered Senate districts are up this year.

COUNTY

All county elected positions except for one county commission seat are up this year.

There are two contested races — county commissioner and county sheriff.

No Democrats have filed.

Filing for the Republican nominations for two commissioner seats are incumbent Terry Wolf, Morgan Martinez, Lynette Swing and Bryony Volin.

Filing for the Republican nomination for sheriff are Austin Brookwell, Sean Duffy and Brad Horath.

Unopposed in the primary, all filing for the Republican nomination are County Coroner Jeff Lapp, County Treasurer Doris Kern, Clerk of District Court Christy Schneider, County Assessor Nancy Quinn; deputy clerk Lily Rakness Parra is seeking the county clerk position and deputy county attorney Anthony Barton is seeking the county attorney position.

Parra is seeking the clerk position with Strauch retiring after her term ends this year. She said, “Serving this community has become something I absolutely love. My time at the clerk’s office has helped me realize that my passion for serving this community has no end! Since my career at the Washakie County Clerk’s office started, Mary Grace, our current County Clerk, has taken me under her wing and has shown me in both words and actions what it means to be able to help run this county with honesty and integrity. Two principles that I wholeheartedly believe in. I have made it my mission to soak in all the workings of our office. All of the ins and outs of titling, property transfers, learning how to research properties and ensuring community members are also well informed. 

“I’ve done payroll, accounts payable and receivable and in doing so, I have learned about how our county is run and who is involved in running it. I have been able to learn about the budget process these last two years and I’m excited to take that on as well. I have been able to attend several professional development trainings regarding elections and how to run one with efficiency and credibility! Our state takes pride in being able to run a fair, honest and successful election, and Washakie County is no exception!

“I believe I have garnered the necessary skills to perform and meet the expectations of the people of Washakie County, and I am ready. Mary Grace, as well as everyone involved in the clerk’s office, in addition to my own life experiences have prepared me for this position. I have an ability to remain positive and calm in any situation. I am also compassionate, motivated, and willing to help at every level.

“No task is beneath me and my door will always be open. I am here to listen and provide my honest opinion. Worland, and Washakie County, is my home by choice. I grew up here, and although I spent several years working in Salt Lake City, I knew I wanted to raise my family in Worland. I knew I wanted to give back to the community that has given so much to me.”

Write-in nominations for partisan races can be accepted following the primary but the nominee must be registered with that party on the day of election.

Strauch said 25 write-in votes are necessary for a write-in nominee to be eligible to accept and be on the general election ballot in November.

Any third-party candidates (Libertarian or Constitution Party) will be on the general election ballot, but are not on the primary election ballot.