GILLETTE, Wyo. — As the Aug. 18 primary election approaches, County 17 is introducing candidate questionnaires to help voters make informed decisions at the ballot box.

Every candidate in the primary field was sent the same three questions and given a limit of 500 words, which could be distributed among their answers as they saw fit. To ensure a fair and direct line to the community, all responses are published exactly as submitted, without edits or alterations.

Candidates were asked:

• What are the most crucial challenges your constituents are facing?
• If elected, how will you address these challenges?
• What qualities or qualifications do you possess that have prepared you to meet these challenges?

Questionnaires are being published on a rolling basis online through Aug. 11. They will be accessible via the County 17 Election Tracker.

Qwenton Eagle Oviatt (R), Wyoming secretary of state

What are the most crucial challenges your constituents are facing?

The most crucial challenges my constituents are facing are low voter turnout, outdated election processes that make voting harder than necessary, a business registration system being exploited by scammers, and a wide fracture within the Wyoming Republican Party.

If elected, how will you address these challenges?

If elected, I will address these directly.  I will push for a long overdue election cleanup bill to make voting easier while ensuring strong security.  I will implement top tier screening software and a small enforcement team to stop fraud using commercial registered agents.  I will also work closely with county clerks to give them the training and uniformity they’ve requested.  On party division, I will focus on repairing our Republican Party by practicing Alan Simpson’s collaboration and Mike Enzi’s 80/20 rule, bringing people together instead of tearing them apart.

What qualities/qualifications do you possess that have prepared you to meet these challenges?

What prepares me for these challenges is my diverse real world experience. I have worked in Wyoming’s oil fields, supported National Science Foundation research in Antarctica, built small businesses, and currently serve as an academic advisor at Central Wyoming College. As a certified mediator, I’ve learned how to bring people together to solve problems. This practical background gives me the judgement and skills needed to deliver real results for Wyoming.

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