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Goldwater Institute Requests Investigation Into Electioneering Allegations in Uinta County

ByTyson Brooks

TLDR

The Goldwater Institute, a nonprofit public policy organization based in Arizona, has asked the Uinta County Attorney to investigate whether local government entities used public resources to promote the proposed 1% specific purpose excise tax that appears on the November 4, 2025 ballot.

The tax measure would fund more than $40 million in projects countywide, including a new Evanston Aquatic Center and new fire and ambulance equipment. The Institute claims that some public officials and departments may have violated Wyoming’s campaign and ethics laws by promoting the tax through government channels.

What You Need to Know

  • ⚖️ Letter filed October 22, 2025: The Goldwater Institute sent a formal letter to Uinta County Attorney Loretta Howieson Kallas, alleging potential violations of Wyoming Statute § 9-13-105(b), which prohibits using public funds, time, or facilities for political campaigning.
  • 💬 Alleged activity: The letter cites Facebook posts, “Yes” yard signs, and “Town Hall” meetings organized or promoted through the Evanston Parks and Recreation Center and Uinta County Fire and Ambulance pages.
  • 🏛️ Projects at stake: The ballot measure proposes roughly $28.8 million for an aquatic center, and $11 million for county emergency services and other municipal projects.
  • 🔍 Legal context: Under Wyoming law, public officials can face penalties for “misuse of office” if they use taxpayer resources for campaign advocacy.
  • 📄 Request: The Institute is urging the county attorney to review the situation, ensure removal of political advocacy from government pages, and seek reimbursement for any public resources used for electioneering.
  • 📢 Next steps: As of publication, no formal response or investigation outcome has been announced.
LetterUintaCountyWYPublicElectioneering.pdf

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