Allegations of Constitutional Displacement
Columnist Jonathan Lange has published an argument asserting that recent legislation passed by the Wyoming Legislature has undermined foundational constitutional principles within the state. In a column published in Cowboy State Daily, Lange contends that these legal changes have effectively rendered the constitutionally mandated Election Day in November "moot." He further alleges that the same legislative framework has granted the state the power to control August’s primary election, which he describes as a non-constitutional event.
Lange’s critique centers on the balance of power between the two major political parties in Wyoming. According to his writing, the current laws hamstrings one party while providing free rein to another. He notes that the Wyoming Constitution does not mention primary elections whatsoever, yet these primaries have evolved into the Cowboy State’s main political event.
The columnist points out a structural disparity in the electoral process. On Tuesday, August 18, Republicans and Democrats will go to the polls separately to select candidates who will represent their respective parties on the constitutionally mandated Election Day in November. However, Lange highlights that this selection process is heavily influenced by voter registration demographics.
Voter Demographics and Electoral Impact
A central component of Lange’s argument involves the distribution of registered voters in Wyoming. He states that Democrats account for less than one-eighth of the state’s 339,655 registered voters. Based on these figures, Lange asserts that Democratic candidates will stand little chance in November’s general election.
The columnist identifies specific geographic areas where this dynamic differs. According to Lange, only the "bluest districts" of the state, specifically Laramie and Jackson, have enough voters to elect the occasional Democratic candidate. In all other House and Senate districts, as well as statewide races, Lange claims that the Republican candidate nominated in the primary will practically be guaranteed victory.
By linking legislative control over primaries with voter registration numbers, Lange argues that the state has created a system where the general election becomes a formality for Republicans. He suggests that the legislature’s ability to regulate the August primary allows it to influence outcomes before the constitutionally protected November election even occurs.
Historical and Structural Context
Lange emphasizes the historical absence of primaries in state constitutional text. He writes that although the Wyoming Constitution makes no mention of primaries, these elections have become the dominant feature of political life in the state. This observation serves as the foundation for his claim that legislative actions regarding primaries operate outside the constitution’s explicit framework.
The columnist does not provide a detailed timeline of when these laws were enacted, but he describes them as recently passed legislation that has altered the political landscape. His argument implies that the shift in power from the general election to the primary election is a direct result of these legislative changes.
Implications for Political Balance
The implications of Lange’s argument extend to the perception of fairness in Wyoming’s electoral system. By stating that one party is "hamstringed" while the other operates with "free rein," Lange characterizes the current legal environment as skewed. He suggests that the control exerted over the non-constitutional primary election allows for a level of influence that bypasses the checks and balances inherent in the constitutionally mandated general election.
The article does not include responses from Wyoming Legislature members or officials from either political party regarding Lange’s claims. The column stands as a singular critique from the columnist, who uses specific voter data to support his assertion that the Republican nominee is virtually assured of winning most races.
Lange’s piece concludes with the observation that the primary election has superseded the general election in importance for many political actors. He notes that while the constitution guarantees Election Day in November, the practical outcome of that day is largely determined by the earlier, non-constitutional primary process controlled by state law.