These are frequently asked questions we get while talking to our friends and neighbors about voting.
When can I vote?
You can vote during “early voting,” also known as “absentee voting,” from September 23rd until November 7th – go to the county building (Willow and Simpson) to vote or get a ballot and vote later. Election day itself is on Tuesday, November 8th, and you can vote in polling places around the county.
What if I’m not registered?
You can register at the same time as you vote! Or you can register ahead of time – it’s super easy, you just need ID (doesn’t have to be from here) and knowledge (not proof) of your physical address. You might hear that you can’t register in the week before election day, but don’t be discouraged – you can register every day, you just might also have to vote at the same time.
Still have questions?
Get info straight from the County Clerk: www.tetonwyo.org/cc or (307) 732-8429.
Or contact us at (307) 733-9417, www.facebook.com/jhalliance, or www.jhalliance.org/newvoter.
What’s on my ballot?
You may wonder why not everyone gets to vote on the same races, so here’s the run-down on what you might see on your ballot. You can also view “sample ballots” at www.tetonwyo.org/cc.
Note: at the Alliance we don’t endorse, oppose, or express any opinion on any candidates, because we’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit – so this is just objective information.
Town residents can vote for Town Council & Mayor
- These positions are all non-partisan (meaning candidates don’t say what party they’re with)
- Two candidates are running for Mayor, and whoever gets more votes wins
- Four candidates are running for two Town Council seats, and the top two “vote-getters” win.
Everyone can vote for County Commission and State and Federal Legislators
- County Commission: The top two Republicans and top two Democrats in the August primary are now all competing for two available seats in the November general election. The top two win, regardless of party.
- State and federal legislators (Senate and House): Who you see on your ballot depends on your Senate / House districts. These are also “partisan” races, meaning candidates can identify with a party – but you can vote for any candidate regardless of your party.
Everyone can vote on the 1% local option tax ballot measure
You’ll also see a 1% local option tax on your ballot. Voting yes will keep the sales tax rate at 6%, and our Town Council and County Commission have resolved to spend this money on housing and transportation.
Now for our editorial opinion: The Alliance and a diverse group of local individuals and organizations have endorsed the 1% local option sales tax. We need to come together and act now to responsibly address two of Jackson Hole’s highest priorities—traffic congestion and affordable housing. This fall, invest in a better future for Jackson Hole by voting for the 1% local option sales tax. By voting yes, you can address the need for affordable housing, create transportation choices that will reduce traffic congestion, and protect our quality of life. Learn more at www.cpcjh.org, and make sure to vote on this ballot question (it’s at the end of your ballot on the back).
