“My one vote won’t change anything.”
That thought keeps a lot of people from voting. In other states’ elections, it feels reasonable.
Wyoming’s primary election is different.
In the 2024 Republican Primary, the winner of Natrona and Converse counties’ House District 62 was decided by six votes. Twelve additional House races were decided by fewer than 100 votes.
Six votes isn’t some abstract number. It’s one family. A few neighbors or coworkers.
It’s a handful of people who decided to vote while others stayed home.
This year, more Wyoming voters will have real choices in competitive legislative and county races.
County commissioner contests are often every bit as competitive as races for the Legislature.
The majority of August winners will face no opponent in November.
For those offices, the primary isn’t a warm-up. It’s the election that determines who serves.
That’s why your vote carries unusual power.
The people elected in August will make decisions about taxes, schools, roads, public safety, elections, local services and state policy.
You may agree with every decision they make, or none of them. Either way, the choice belongs to the people who participate in our August election.
The other reason people stay home is also understandable: “I don’t know enough about the candidates.”
There are a lot of names, offices and issues. It can feel like too much. But voting responsibly doesn’t require becoming an expert on every candidate or mastering every policy question. You need enough reliable information to make a thoughtful choice.
Go to WY Vote, scroll down to the state outline and select your county. The top entry on each county page links to your county elections page, where you can find voting information and even sample ballots. WY Vote also includes candidate-prepared profiles for statewide, legislative, county and municipal races if they have submitted theirs.
You can compare what you find with Vote411 and the WyoFileElection Guide 2026.
Local newspapers and election guides, candidate forums, candidate websites and social media can provide more information.
As you review candidates, keep the process simple.
Look at experience. What has the candidate done that prepares them for the office?
Look at priorities. What issues do they put first?
Look at judgment. Do they weigh facts, tradeoffs and consequences?
Look at specificity. Do they explain what they would do, or rely mostly on slogans?
You don’t need perfect knowledge. You need enough information to decide who best reflects your priorities and who you trust to make decisions on your behalf.
Write down your choices and take the list with you.
Then vote early.
Once you know how you plan to vote, there’s little benefit in waiting.
Voting early is the responsible choice because it removes the risk of something getting in the way later.
Work runs long. A child gets sick. A vehicle fails. Weather changes. An appointment takes longer than expected.
None of those things means you didn’t intend to vote. They still can keep you from voting if you wait until Election Day.
Voting early also lets you finish the task while your research is fresh. You avoid Election Day scheduling pressure, and you leave yourself time to help someone else participate.
If you’re eligible but not registered, you haven’t missed your opportunity.
During early voting, you can register, select a party affiliation and cast your Primary ballot during the same visit. Go to your county page on WY Vote, use the link to your county elections page and check the location, hours and required documents.
One trip can complete the whole process.
After you vote, take the next step.
Think of five people you know. People who may intend to vote but haven’t made a plan.
Don’t ask whether they’re voting. Ask when they plan to vote.
Send them the WY Vote link. Offer to look over candidate information with them. Help them check their registration. Give them a ride. Go vote early together.
Then help at least one person follow through.
That’s where your personal influence matters. Your vote has weight because Primary races are close and because so many are settled in August. Your conversation with someone who might otherwise stay home carries weight too.
House District 62 was decided by six votes.
Your one vote matters more than you think. So does your influence.
Vote early. Then contact five people, ask when they plan to vote, and help one of them follow through.
Gail Symons can be reached at gailsymons@mac.com
