JOAN BARRON Star-Tribune capital bureau | Posted: Thursday, August 28, 2008 12:00 am
CHEYENNE - Two write-in candidates for legislative seats received enough votes in this month's primary election to be on the November general election ballot.
The state Canvassing Board voted Wednesday morning to offer the nominations to Neil Harrison, a Democratic write-in for Senate District 10, and to Glenn Moniz, a Republican write-in for House District 46.
Each received more than the 25 write-in votes needed to qualify for nomination. Each will have five days to accept or reject the nomination.
If Harrison accepts, he will face Republican Sen. Phil Nicholas in the general election. Senate District 10 includes Albany County and the city of Laramie.
If Moniz accepts, he will face Democrat Jim Thompson in the general election.
House District 46 includes the city of Laramie and the rural areas south to the Colorado state line.
Peggy Nighswonger, administrator of the elections division of the secretary of state's office, also said that Tom Strock of Douglas will be on the general election ballot as an independent candidate for House District 6. The district includes most of Converse County. Also on the House District 6 ballot will be Democrat Chase Anfinson and Republican Richard Cannady, both of Glenrock.
Secretary of State Max Maxfield reported that 47 percent of registered voters cast ballots in the August 19 primary election, compared to 46 percent in 2006.
Although this was a better showing than neighboring states, "it was not anything to be extremely proud of," he said.
The turnout of the state's voting age population was 26.5 percent, down from 29.7 percent two years ago.
"I think we need to promote better voter turnout," Maxfield said.