Wyoming’s Longtime Election Chief Resigns

After nearly 20 years with the Wyoming Secretary of State's Office, Peggy Nighswonger has stepped down as elections director.

Nighswonger says "differences in philosophy" with Secretary of State Ed Murray prompted her to resign.

"The Secretary of State's Office is grateful for the many years of service that Peggy Nighswonger gave to our office and we wish Peggy well in retirement," said Murray. "We have a fantastic staff remaining in the elections division who, alongside Deputy Secretary of State Karen Wheeler, are handling the day-to-day operations."

Murray, who was elected last year, says he's looking for a new elections director who will bring new ideas to the table about the changing nature of elections in the state.

"Once we've fully evaluated Wyoming's election needs and priorities we will conduct a nationwide search to find an elections director that can help the Secretary of State's office and all of our local communities confront declining voter turnout in several key demographics," said Murray. "It is my priority to make the most of this opportunity to find a new director with a clear vision for how we can make elections and voter education in Wyoming as dynamic as possible."