Wyoming Primary Election Sees Lower Early Voter Turnout Compared to 2022, Clerks Report
Early voting in Wyoming's primary election is trailing the historic turnout seen in 2022, despite several high-profile open races for governor, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House. County clerks across the state, including Debra Lee of Laramie County, have noted a decrease in early ballots cast compared to two years ago. Officials attribute the lower turnout partly to the absence of a highly contentious race like the 2022 contest between Liz Cheney and Harriet Hageman, which garnered national attention and significantly boosted participation. Additionally, a 2023 election law change shortened the early and absentee voting period from 45 days to 28 days, which some clerks believe has contributed to the reduced numbers. Voters have also expressed frustration with new election laws, such as the requirement to change party affiliation before candidates file for office and a 30-day residency rule, which have caught some residents by surprise. While some counties, like Teton, have seen an uptick in in-person early votin...