Albany County sets vote centers for May 5 special election and warns voters about new residency checks

The Albany County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution establishing vote centers for the May 5, 2026 special election on the 1% specific purpose sales and use tax question and heard staff describe changes that could affect voter check‑in.

Kayla, the county elections official, told the board that because special elections typically have lower turnout, consolidating polling locations into vote centers is more cost effective and increases access: “any voter is allowed to vote at any of those polling locations no matter what their district and precinct is,” she said. The board approved vote centers at the Albany County Fairgrounds, the Albany County Public Library, the Laramie Ice and Event Center, the Municipal Operations Center and the Rock River Town Hall.

Kayla also described new residency documentation requirements passed in 2025. Voters who have not lived in Wyoming for more than 30 days before the election may need to show additional proof of residency (utility bills, lease, etc.) and could be offered a provisional ballot until their documentation is verified. She said early voting materials will be available from the elections office beginning April 7 and military/overseas ballots will be mailed under the applicable 20–45 day rules.

Staff explained logistics for vote centers: two ballot styles (city and county) will be available at every vote center so that voters can cast the correct ballot regardless of where they live. Kayla and staff asked the board to approve the polling places so they could proceed with ballot testing and voter notifications ahead of the March and April deadlines.

What’s next: The clerk’s office will finalize ballot testing and public notices; voters are advised to check residency documentation requirements before election day.