July 29, 2020
Equality State Policy Center Urges Voters to Mail Absentee Ballots Early
LARAMIE, Wyo — In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the interest of protecting public health, the Wyoming Secretary of State’s office and county clerks across Wyoming are encouraging voters to consider using absentee ballots to cast their votes this year.
The Equality State Policy Center is encouraging voters to use absentee ballots for both the primary and general elections as well, “because it is a safe, secure, and easy way to vote.”
“Voting with an absentee ballot is something we can do during this pandemic not only to protect ourselves but also to help protect our communities, our county election officials, and our friends and neighbors,” said Chris Merrill, ESPC’s executive director. Merrill said most voters would likely prefer voting via absentee ballot, regardless of the public health emergency.
“It’s user-friendly,” Merrill said. “Personally, I prefer voting this way because it lets me spend more time with the ballot and research any issues, candidates, or races I might not be that familiar with ahead of time. It gives me time to get more informed, especially about down-ballot races.”
Teton County Clerk Maureen Murphy (R) has been one of the state’s election officials who has been actively encouraging all voters to vote absentee-by-mail this year. Due to a recent surge in new confirmed COVID-19 cases, Wyoming’s Teton County was, as of July 29, 2020, considered one of the highest-risk counties in the United States, according to the Harvard Global Health Institute.
Since ballots need to be received by county clerks before polls close on election day, ESPC is urging voters to mail their ballots at least a week in advance of the primaries, and again seven days in advance of the general elections.
“Don’t wait!” Merrill said. “Make sure your vote is counted. For the primaries, we’re recommending that you mail your ballot by August 11 to ensure it arrives in time.”