BALLOT ISSUES, VOTING PROCEDURES DISCUSSED DURING SENIOR-WISE

               (Casper, WY) -- Natrona County voters will decide three ballot issues in the November general election, in addition to choosing from a ballot full of candidates for local, state and national office. That was the message from Natrona County Clerk Renea Vitto, speaking Tuesday, October 7 at Senior-Wise, the weekly informational program held at the Casper Senior Center. The League of Women Voters presented this week's program; the group was represented by member Dan Grace. (The two are pictured above.) During the program Vitto also brought attendees up to date on several voting procedures, including registration and absentee balloting. Polls will be open 7:00am until 7:00pm on election day.

                One of the issues to be decided is the Natrona County Optional One-Cent Sales Tax. This sales tax, which is voted on every four years, has already brought more than $40 million to the county and has helped fund new roads and fire trucks, and the new fire house west of Casper. The revenue from this sales tax may not be used for operational expenses, such as county employee salaries, explained Vitto, and it will expire at the end of the year if not renewed. It requires a simple majority for approval.

                Another issue voters will decide November 4 is a one percent increase in the county lodging tax on hotels and motels. Currently set at 3%, this issue would bring the lodging tax to 4%; however, the entire tax would expire if the issue is not approved November 4. The lodging tax benefits tourism efforts for Natrona County and requires a simple majority for approval.

                All voters in Wyoming will have the chance to decide a constitutional amendment affecting the University of Wyoming. Presently, the governor selects university trustees subject to approval by the state legislature. This proposed change would allow up to 20% of the trustees to be out of state residents. 

                Vitto reminded attendees that Wyoming has same-day voter registration but she noted that October 20 is the final day to vote absentee in the county clerk's office. If your address has changed you have a couple of options: you can notify the county clerk's office by phone or on election day you can report to your old polling place, tell them of your change, learn your new polling place and then report there and vote. If your name has changed or you want to change your party affiliation, that also can be updated at the polls on election day. 

                The entire presentation is available for viewing on the Casper Senior Center You Tube page by clicking here League of Women Voters Presentation

 

                Senior-Wise is a series of programs held Tuesdays at 12:30pm at the Casper Senior Center, 1831 East 4th Street, Casper. For more information call 307-265-4678 or visit on line at casperseniorcenter.com.