In a show of support for Wyoming’s election integrity, the Natrona County Republican Party unanimously passed a resolution commending the state’s election safety and condemning recent actions by the Wyoming Republican Party (WYGOP) that cast doubt on the election process, Wyo File reports.
Passed on October 16, the resolution arrives after a contentious primary season marked by costly campaigning, legal disputes over election administration, and a post-election audit affirming the accuracy of Wyoming’s 2024 primary results.
“Wyoming’s electoral process is safe, free from fraud and interference,” the Natrona County GOP stated.
GOP expressed confidence in Wyoming’s election system. The resolution also criticized the state party’s “efforts to misinform the general public” and “pursue frivolous litigation against county clerks” on election issues that it considers non-existent.
The resolution highlights a rift between Natrona County’s traditionalist GOP stance and the more hard-line direction of the state GOP. Tensions have increased in recent years, including the county’s withdrawal of dues and calls for state GOP Chairman Frank Eathorne’s resignation following controversies.
The most recent conflict arose in the lead-up to the August primary, when the Wyoming GOP filed a lawsuit against Laramie County Clerk Debra Lee, alleging improper testing of voting machines in Cheyenne. State law requires varied vote totals during voting machine tests to confirm accuracy. However, the Wyoming GOP asserted that tests in Laramie County showed identical vote numbers for different candidates, sparking a call for $20,000 to support legal action and request a hand count. The dispute ended with a settlement that mandated additional testing, approved by District Court Judge Catherine Rogers, without any party admitting fault.
The state GOP later censured Clerk Debra Lee, making her the first Wyoming county clerk to face this form of reprimand. In its resolution, Natrona County’s GOP emphasized its support for Wyoming’s 23 county clerks, including Lee, acknowledging their efforts to maintain secure and accessible elections.
Natrona County’s resolution, while symbolic, underlines a growing divide within Wyoming’s Republican ranks as the general election approaches on November 5. Eathorne did not respond to requests for comment, and early voting in Wyoming continues as voter turnout appears set to surpass primary levels.
