Near-record number of parties this year

Wyoming will have six political parties on the ballot this year, which is more than in any election since the 1930s.

State Election Director Peggy Nighswonger says minor parties often try to get on the ballot in presidential election years, but they often fail to get the required number of signatures from registered voters. She says this year, they’re more organized.

“A couple of the parties that circulated actually paid circulators this time, and so they were able to get more signatures,” Nighswonger said. “But the other thing is … people are questioning the two major parties in our country and just wondering if there’s a better solution.”

The minor parties will run candidates for president, and some may also certify candidates for Wyoming’s U.S. House seat.