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When it comes to Wyoming politics, the real contest isn’t in November — it’s in the August primary. In our predominantly Republican state, the primary election often decides who will ultimately hold office long before any general election ballots are cast.

As someone who has served my community in local government, I’ve seen firsthand how low-turnout primaries can steer our state’s future. This is an urgent call to every Wyoming voter — young or old — to do your homework on the candidates and show up for the primary, because the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Wyoming’s Primary: The Election That Really Counts

In Wyoming, one party overwhelmingly dominates elected offices, which means winning the Republican primary is often the key to winning the seat. In many races, there is little to no competition in the general election, effectively making the primary the only meaningful vote.

When voters sit out the primary, they are forfeiting their say in who represents them.

Wyoming law itself reflects how decisive primaries have become. Efforts to restrict party-switching ahead of primary elections exist because lawmakers understand the reality: the primary is where power is decided. The choices made in August frequently shape Wyoming’s government long before November arrives.

Unfortunately, primary turnout is often low. When participation drops, the influence of small but highly motivated factions grows. In some races, a few dozen votes can determine the outcome. When moderate, independent, or younger voters stay home, the field is left to those with the loudest and most extreme voices.

The result is predictable: candidates who do not reflect the views of the broader public can gain office and face little resistance later.

Do Your Homework: Know the Candidates (Not Just the Name)

Voting is not a lottery or a popularity contest — it is a hiring decision for who will run our cities, counties, and state. Too often, voters rely on name recognition or party labels without understanding who the candidate really is.

In Wyoming’s primaries, that mistake can have lasting consequences.

Before you vote, take the time to learn who the candidates are and what they stand for:

• Review experience and records. If a candidate is an incumbent or has held office before, look at their voting history. Did their decisions strengthen local communities, or did they create harm?

• Understand their positions. Taxes, education, healthcare, and economic development are not abstract issues. Wyoming faces real challenges, and voters should expect clear, practical solutions — not slogans.

• Pay attention to influence. Who is funding the campaign? Who is advising the candidate? These relationships matter.

• Engage directly. Candidates in Wyoming are accessible. Forums, community events, and direct questions reveal far more than mailers or social media posts.

• Be cautious of familiarity. A recognizable last name or a long list of yard signs does not equal leadership. Candidates should earn votes through substance and accountability.

Leadership requires judgment, independence, and the ability to govern — not just the ability to generate attention.

When Voters Stay Home: The Freedom Caucus Takeover

If anyone doubts why informed primary voting matters, they need only look at what is happening in Cheyenne.

In the most recent election cycle, a bloc of ultraconservative legislators — commonly known as the Wyoming Freedom Caucus — won a series of low-turnout primary races. Many unseated more moderate incumbents and then faced little or no opposition in the general election.

Once in office, the results were swift and alarming.

Recent legislative actions have included:

• Major tax cuts with no backfill for essential services

• Deep funding reductions to the University of Wyoming

• Efforts to dismantle or defund the Wyoming Business Council

• Cuts affecting healthcare, mental health services, and assistance for vulnerable populations

These were not modest budget adjustments. They were sweeping, ideological moves that placed jobs, education, healthcare, and economic development at risk — even while the state maintained strong revenues.

Perhaps most troubling is how these decisions were made. Evidence has emerged that votes and talking points were coordinated through scripted instructions, undermining independent judgment and open debate. This type of lockstep behavior turns elected officials into messengers rather than representatives.

That should concern every voter, regardless of party affiliation.

Every Vote Matters: Educated Voters Can Save Wyoming

The lesson is clear: if Wyoming is to remain stable, prosperous, and grounded in common sense, informed voters must show up — especially in the primary.

This is not an exaggeration. The future of our schools, local governments, economy, and civic culture depends on participation.

Young voters. Lifelong residents. First-time voters. Retirees. Parents. Business owners.

If you care about the direction of Wyoming, you must vote in the primary.

Complacency is how extremism gains power. When reasonable people disengage, organized minorities take control.

Engagement means researching candidates, asking hard questions, and participating even when the process feels frustrating or predetermined. In Wyoming, the primary election is where leadership is chosen — whether most voters participate or not.

A Responsibility We All Share

Wyoming has always valued independence, accountability, and community. With those values comes responsibility — the responsibility to protect our state from poor governance and ideological overreach.

If we want a future that serves our children and grandchildren, we must become educated voters and show up when it matters most.

The primary election is coming. Candidates will be knocking on doors and asking for support.

Listen. Learn. Ask questions.

Then vote.

Because in Wyoming, the primary is the election — and your vote may be the one that decides the future of our state.

By Steve Freel
Former Mayor of Casper
Former Chairman, Natrona County Commission

Sources

• Wyoming’s Republican dominance and primary election structure

• Primary election turnout data and participation trends

• Legislative budget actions affecting the University of Wyoming and Wyoming Business Council

• Reporting on Freedom Caucus legislative coordination and internal voting practices

• Commentary on the importance of informed voting and legislative accountability