Republicans work on election petition

RANDOLPH –The Pierce County Republicans met for its monthly meeting at the Lied Randolph Public Library.

Routine business was followed by reports by group members. Chairman Lewon reported on events at the State Convention. General Mike Flynn was the keynote speaker. A break-out of the party’s three state districts was held to discuss choosing each district’s representatives. Area representatives were selected for District 3. President Trump’s team sent a slate card of his selections for state and national committee candidates. This slate passed as a general consensus. One resolution that passed was the censure of State Senator Rieppe because of his reversal on the Heartbeat Bill. One amendment that passed was not of major significance, but it will require an amendment of the Pierce County GOP’s constitution.

Lisa Linville reported on a meeting she attended with representatives from Cedar, Antelope, Knox and Holt counties. The group is making plans to distribute a petition to replace election machines with hand counting at the precinct level. Sen. Barry DeKay has agreed to take these petitions to the Unicameral.

Will Douglas gave a report on voter turnout. Registrations have increased by nearly 1,000 in Pierce County over the past 14 years, but voter turnout with the exceptions of 2020 and 2022 has declined.

Amy Codr reported on her committee’s work on slate cards. A decision was made to focus efforts locally since primaries have concluded. In local county races, only Plainview and Pierce have contested School Board and City Council races. The committee developed questionnaires to send to candidates to aid the committee in choosing a slate. A forum sponsored by the Pierce County GOP will be held in both Plainview and Pierce. The group will vote to endorse candidates for these offices at the July meeting. The slate card will then be distributed at the Pierce County Fair.

The next meeting will be 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 2, at the Pierce Library.