Write-ins move right on

Many interesting things happened during the 2018 primary elections, among them were a handful of municipal races that saw people running as write-in candidates. According to Wyoming Statute 22-23-307, a write-in candidate in the primary election needs a minimum of three votes to be able to advance to the general election. In the case of multiple candidates, the one who receives the most write-in votes advances to the general election.

Following the June 1 filing deadline for candidates, two Saratoga residents announced write-in campaigns on Facebook. Daniel Starr, a Saratoga resident who also works as a deputy marshal in Hanna, announced his write-in campaign on July 5. John Zeiger, former mayor of Saratoga, announced his on Aug. 18. On the day of the election, 166 write-in votes were cast while nearly 300 people voted for incumbent mayor Ed Glode.

On Friday, the Saratoga Sun reached out to the Carbon County Clerk’s Office about this and other write-in votes around the area and was informed that Zeiger received the most votes, 75, of the two write-in candidates and would be advancing to the general election. Daniel Starr received 59 votes. With this primary victory, the former Saratoga mayor will have to fill out a candidate form and pay the fee before appearing on the ballot.

A similar event took place in Hanna as resident Lois Buchanan also staged a write-in campaign for Hanna mayor. Approximately 44 votes were cast for write-in on Aug. 21 and 29 votes were cast for Buchanan and she will advance to the general election where she will face off against Jonathan C. Ostling. Incumbent mayor Tony Poulis received eight write-in votes.

Also in Hanna, incumbent town council member Tracy L. Fowler will face off against write-in candidates Michael Zedicker, Sean Campbell and Shana Romero in the general election. A total of 51 write-in votes were cast in the Hanna town council race and all three candidates received enough to advance to the election in November. Zedicker had received 10 votes and Campbell and Romero had a three-way tie with Sammy Sikes, all of them receiving five votes.

According to the Carbon County Clerk’s Office, it was determined who would advance to the general elections among the three tied by pulling two of the three names out of a hat. Should either Campbell or Romero decline the nomination or fail to accept, Sikes will then be placed on the general ballot.

In Elk Mountain, registered candidates Kelsie Domnitz and Dawn Kenneda will face write-in candidates Craig Mustard and Sam Johnson in the general election. During the primary election, 33 write-in votes were cast in the race for Elk Mountain town council. Mustard received 15 votes and Johnson received five.

Finally, in Riverside, current town council member Fred Lorenz received enough votes to advance into the general election where he will run alongside Ed Golden for the two open seats in the small municipality. Lorenz received six votes, the other five votes being cast for people who did not obtain enough to advance to the general election.

According to Wyoming Statute 22-23-307, all write-in candidates are to be informed of their nomination no later than 48 hours after the canvassing committee meets. If the write-in candidate does not accept the nomination within five days of being notified, they will not appear on the general ballot. In many cases, the Carbon County Clerk’s Office will send out an official letter to the nominated candidate as well as inform the town clerk of a municipality to help expedite the process.

Additionally, a candidate nominated by write-in vote who is elected to public office may decline election before taking the oath of office by filing written notice with the county clerk and the Secretary of State.