• Unregistered voters can still declare on election day.
In the 2022 election year in the race for U.S. Representative for the State of Wyoming between Liz Cheney and Harriet Hageman, one suggested tactic that came to the forefront was trying convince voters to change their party affiliation to affect the outcome. With some expressing concern about this move, the Wyoming Legislature passed a law stating that the change of party affiliation must take place in the months leading up to the election. That law is now in effect and the deadline to make that change is next week on May 15.
Lincoln County Clerk, April Brunski, spoke with SVI Media during the Weekday Wake-up radio program recently and urged residents to be aware of this change should they wish to switch their affiliation.
“In the past voters were used to be able to declare their party affiliation any time up until the primary election and even on election day was allowed,” she said. “With the new law change, there is a lockout period in which voters will no longer be able to do that. That lockout period is the day before the candidate filing period begins which is May 15. Voters will not be able to make changes to their party affiliation. Unaffiliated voters will not be able to declare a party affiliation after that date. That distinction has to be made prior to the filing date which is May 16.”
Brunski clarified that this only applies to voters who are currently registered.
“It does not impact voters who have not registered,” she said. “They are allowed to register anytime up to 14 days before the primary election. We have same-day voter registration and that hasn’t changed.”
Should voters wish to change their party affiliation several locations are available to do so.
“At the Lincoln County Courthouse in Kemmerer,” Brunski continued. “The Clerk’s office in Afton. Any of the municipal clerk offices. They are registry agents. It is allowed to be done by mail but it needs to be notarized but that is an option.”
Brunski also stated that voters cannot simply withdraw their registration and re-register.
“That loophole was closed to prevent that from happening,” she said. She also emphasized that time is short to make the deadline. “I hope that the word has gotten out and that those who want to make those changes get that done directly.”
Brunski added that if residents have questions or concerns that she is available as well as other county resources.
“They are free to call me directly at (307) 877-2021,” she said. “I’m here to answer questions and address concerns. Our county website has a lot of good information as well.” The Lincoln County website can be found at lincolncountywy.gov.
