Party affiliation needed

Crossover voting rule will affect local residents

Unaffiliated voters in Weston County have until 4:30 p.m. on May 15 to affiliate themselves with a major political party, or they will not receive ballots in the 2024 primary election, according to Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock.

A letter dated April 10 and signed by Hadlock informs approximately 52 voters that because they are unaffiliated with a major party and because they live in unincorporated areas of the county, they must affiliate themselves to receive a ballot because of election changes.

“Changes to election legislation made by House Enrolled Act 70 from the 2023 WY Legislative session prevents any current registered voters from changing their party affiliation beginning the first day of candidate filing through Primary Election Day. For 2024, this time period will begin May 16 and run through August 20,” Hadlock said in the letter.

“Our office wants you to be aware that you are not affiliated with a major political party and because you reside outside of a municipality, you will not have a ballot for the 2024 Primary Election,” the letter continues. “This is because there will be no races to vote on at the 2024 Primary Election, except for races for major political parties or non-partisan topics or races, such as Town Council.”

Typically, the letter says, unaffiliated voters, or those affiliated with a minor political party, would be eligible to vote for at least a city or town council race, but because these individuals live outside of a municipality, they are ineligible to vote in those races either way.

“In past elections, when these voters went to the polls to vote and were told they would not be given a ballot, they had the option to change their party on election day,” Hadlock told the News Letter Journal. “Because of the new cross over voting rule they no longer have this option and would not be able to cast a vote on election day.”

By mailing the letter, Hadlock said her office is doing their best to let these individuals know ahead of time that there is no longer that option.

“If you want to participate in the August 20, 2024, Primary Election you have the option of affiliating with a major political party no later than 4:30 p.m. on May 15, 2024,” the letter says.

It further notes that affected individuals are not required to take action and that the clerk and her office are not “encouraging” the people to do so.

“This is simply a courtesy notice to let you know that without a change you will not have a ballot for the Primary Election in August,” the letter says.

Those wishing to change their party affiliation to vote in the primary election can do so by visiting the Weston County Clerk’s Office at the courthouse or at their local town hall. The letter asks people to make sure they have identification with them.

Any questions or concerns can be directed to Hadlock at 746-4744 or clerk@westongov.com.

Information on voter registration can be found on the clerk’s portion of the county’s website or at the Wyoming Secretary of State’s website.

The letter does note that the above stated legislation will not affect the general election in November and those who are unaffiliated with a major political party will be eligible to vote regardless of their party status.