JACKSON HOLE, WYO – Primary Elections can sometimes be a bit ho-hum for those unaffiliated with a party or, quite frankly, for Democrats in Wyoming. This year is shaping up to be the exception election.
For starters, at the state level a closely contested GOP primary for Governor is beginning to heat up. The Republican nominee is likely to carry the general—though Mary Throne-D and company may have something to say about it come November—so would it behoove registered Democrats to switch affiliations for the Primary just so they can have a say in who will likely lead the state for the next four years?
Choosing a more moderate Republican next week might be in the best interests of Democrat or Independent voters. Of course, to do so would mean not being able to have a say in who the Democrat candidate would be on November 6.
A group called Independent Republicans of Wyoming is advocating for state voters to consider a one-day elephant ride this August 21 in order to vote for Mark Gordon. While the registered 501(c) group claims no candidate affiliation, it has been critical of frontrunners Foster Friess and Harriet Hageman. It also offers advice on how voters can switch parties in order “vote for the only moderate on the ticket: Mark Gordon.”
One race where Dems could really throw a wrench in the works is US Senator for Wyoming. Theoretically, with Gary Trauner-D running unopposed on the blue ticket, Dems could party switch August 21 in an attempt to sink Barrasso’s bid for reelection and weaken the red brigade for a Trauner upset come fall.
By the same token, registered Republicans could do the same but why would they? Traditionally, many races are won and lost in August for Wyomingites. Participation is heavily demanded of GOP-registered voters.
Food for thought.
Closer to home, voters might want a say in the race for board of county commissioner. This year, the partisan affair is little more than a beauty contest for Republicans who will watch all three candidates advance to the General no matter what the outcome next Tuesday.
For Democrats, however, someone gets chopped this round in the crowded field of four. Would a registered Republican, Independent, or unaffiliated voter like a say in that race? You would have to be registered Democrat to participate.
All this speculation would be theoretical only if not for Wyoming’s liberal laws regarding voter registration. There are technicalities regarding a 14-day window that has already passed but, bottom line, Wyoming allows a voter to register and vote all on the same day.
Whether you are switching parties or simply registering for the first time, a voter can walk-in vote on Tuesday (or before), declare either party they want in order to be able to participate in that Primary, and then switch back anytime before the General Election.
