Wyoming Secretary of State Ed Murray says he wants the state’s next Elections Director to focus on improving voter registration and turnout.
This comes after the state’s longtime Elections Director, Peggie Nighswonger, resigned from the post last month, citing philosophical differences with Murray. Nighswonger said in an interview with WPR that Secretary Murray is focusing too much on voter registration programs, and not spending enough time preparing for the 2016 elections.
Murray says he respects Nighswonger’s opinion, but his priorities will remain the same.
"This is an opportunity where I can move forward in taking a look at ways to increase voter participation."
Murray says he is waiting to announce the details of his plan to address voter participation until Wyoming’s next Elections Director is announced, but he says he’s specifically concerned with low voter participation among 18-24 year olds.
He also says he hopes to use enhanced technology to streamline the process of getting elections results in throughout the state in a timely fashion.
Murray says he anticipates Wyoming’s next Elections Director will be named by the end of this year.
