WYOMING – Secretary of State Ed Murray, in collaboration with the Wyoming County Clerks and the Secretary of State Election Division, announced today the formation of a task force to address the future of elections in Wyoming. The Plan for Aging Voting Equipment (PAVE) Task Force will primarily explore the type of election equipment needed in Wyoming and the means of funding the replacement of outdated equipment.
“Wyoming’s elections are accurate, fair, and free from any interference. Unfortunately, the voting equipment used in Wyoming’s 23 counties is nearing the end of its lifespan, and it is of paramount importance that our voting systems be unfailingly reliable,” said Teton County Clerk Sherry Daigle.
The PAVE Task Force is comprised of the following members:
- County Clerks: Teton County Clerk Sherry Daigle and Sublette County Clerk Mary Lankford;
- County Commissioner: Park County Commissioner Jake Fulkerson;
- Legislators: Senator Tara Nethercott and Representative Bob Nicholas;
- Secretary of State’s Office: Karen Wheeler, Deputy Secretary of State; Kai Schon, State Election Director; and Andrea Byrne, Technology Director;
- Ex-Officios: Secretary of State Ed Murray, Joint Corporations, Elections, and Political Subdivisions Co-Chairmen Senator Cale Case and Representative Dan Zwonitzer.
The membership of the Task Force encompasses key stakeholders for the adoption of modernized election infrastructure at both the local and statewide level. These county officials, legislators, and the members representing the Secretary of State’s Office are prepared to move forward in determining how best to identify, acquire, and fund the replacement of Wyoming’s outdated election equipment.
“The State of Wyoming is responsible for providing citizens with an election process that can be trusted. Wyoming is leading the charge with this Task Force to ensure that no county is left with voting equipment at risk of deteriorating,” stated State Election Director Kai Schon.
The PAVE Task Force met once for an organizational meeting in October 2017 and will meet as needed during 2018.
“The election process, and the delivery of elections, is a matter of state sovereignty. The Task Force understands the gravity of this undertaking,” Murray said.
