Voting in Wyoming:
The bad news…
According to WY state law, voters who do not vote in a general election are “purged” (removed) from the voter roll after each general election. If you did NOT vote in the 2022 general election, you are no longer registered to vote.
Purged voters should have received a notice in the mail offering them the option to remain on the voter roll. Not sure if you’re currently registered to vote in your district? You can check your registration by calling the County Clerk (307-733-4430), emailing elections@tetoncountywy.gov and/or dropping by the office.
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It is now impossible for registered voters to change their party after May 15. Since candidate filing doesn’t end until May 31, registered voters who may want to update their party affiliation based on who is running for office will be unable to do so AFTER May 15.
This change leaves currently registered voters two options:
- Vote according to your current party affiliation
- Call, email or visit the Teton County Clerk and make sure you are currently registered under the party that you desire
If you are not currently registered to vote, you can register anytime at the County Clerk’s building in person or via mail, OR you can register to vote at the polls during the primary election on August 20. If you are currently unregistered, we recommend waiting to register to vote until after May 31 so you can evaluate candidates.
The County Clerk’s office is on the bottom floor of the County building at 200 S. Willow, and they are open from 9am-4:30pm Monday-Friday.
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The other major change to voting regulations this year is that the window for absentee voting has been shortened from 45 to 28 days (45 days remains in effect for international absentee voting). Please see this website for more information and make sure you request an absentee ballot as soon as possible. You can pick up an absentee ballot in person beginning on July 23rd for primary if you will not be present for the election.
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The good news…
Restrictive voter rules fail—but some changes are in place
Great news: Governor Gordon did not approve the restrictive voter laws proposed by Chuck Gray!
Secretary of State Gray attempted to pass new voting rules which would have required voters to bring additional documents to verify residency when registering to vote, despite concerns about disenfranchisement from county clerks across the state. These rules would have created barriers for Wyomingites who have their PO Box on their license like so many of us. Thanks to Governor Gordon for protecting our right to vote!
Thanks for joining for our legislative round up!
We appreciate everyone who came to our property tax legislative round-up at Kalu! We heard an in-depth presentation from Representative Byron and Representative Storer about their time fighting for meaningful property tax reform and relief in Cheyenne this year. Our property tax info page has been updated with their information.
Huge thanks to the Teton County GOP for cohosting. Election season is right around the corner and we’ll be announcing our next events soon!
Interviews held for Virginian developers
On March 6, the Housing Supply Board interviewed the developers vying for the contract to develop the 90 Virginian Way parcel. ShelterJH board member Whitney Oppenhuizen serves on that board as well and participated in the interview process. The Housing Supply Board discussed their recommendations on April 10, and the Town Council and County Commission are slated to discuss the topic on May 6. Keep an eye on upcoming meetings here.
One Legacy Lodge suit complete
Wondering what’s the latest news regarding Legacy Lodge?
“In a ruling issued last week, justices affirmed an earlier decision by 9th District Court Judge Melissa Owens and found the county properly followed land development regulations in considering an amendment to the Rafter J master plan. The Teton County Board of County Commissioners ‘followed the LDRs and made reasonable choices’ in approving the change, justices wrote.”
Although there are still pending court cases, it looks like we’re one step closer to welcoming locals to Legacy Lodge!
