1% specific purpose sales & use tax election on May 2, early voting starts Mar. 23

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Laramie County 3-9-2017

Laramie County voters go to the polls on May 2 to vote on a proposed 1% specific purpose sales and use tax to fund projects for Laramie County, Cheyenne, Albin, Burns and Pine Bluffs.

According to Laramie County Clerk Debra Lee, the menu-style ballot has nine propositions proposed for funding through the tax and voters can vote “for” or “against” each proposition.

The nine propositions include projects endorsed by the governing bodies of Laramie County, City of Cheyenne, and Towns of Albin, Burns and Pine Bluffs. Among the projects are infrastructure and community improvements, the remodel or construction of courthouses, expansion of the county jail, purchase of safety and security materials and equipment, fire station construction, and recreational projects.

If approved by a majority of those voting, the 1% sales and use tax will start on Oct. 1, 2017, and will end when all projects approved by voters have been funded, Lee said.

Absentee and early voting for the May election starts on Mar. 23. An early voting site will be set up in the Atrium of the Laramie County Governmental Complex, 309 W 20th St., from Mar. 23 through May 1, and will be open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Persons who are not currently registered may register and vote during the early voting period or at a vote center on Election Day, May 2. To register and vote, you must be a U.S. citizen, resident of Laramie County, be at least 18 years of age by the day of the election, and if convicted of a felony, have had voting rights restored. New registrants must present a government-issued photo ID, with a Wyoming driving license being the preferred document.

“Typically, voter turnout in off-year elections is smaller than during a primary or general election,” said Lee. “This election is very important, and we urge you to exercise your right to vote.”

Lee noted that persons who are currently registered and would like an absentee ballot may call the Election office at (307) 633-4242 or send an email to election@laramiecountyclerk.com. Voters will need to provide their name, date of birth, and address.

The Laramie County Clerk’s website has basic information on the proposed 1% specific purporse sales and use tax election and the nine propositions that will appear on the ballot. Persons may access the website at http://www.laramiecountyclerk.com/elections.aspx .