At long last, Park County residents will join with millions of fellow voters across America and head to the polls today (Tuesday) to cast their ballots.

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with residents welcome to register at their polling place.

After operating only three primary polling sites for August’s primary election — in Powell, Cody and Meeteetse — the Park County Clerk’s Office has reopened traditional polling sites at the Garland Community Church, Clark Pioneer Recreation Center, the Mountain View Clubhouse in the Heart Mountain area, the South Fork Fire Hall and the Wapiti school.

Citing COVID-19 related challenges and a shortage of election judges, Clerk Colleen Renner had planned to leave those outlying polling locations closed for the general election. However, after members of the public raised concerns, county commissioners directed Renner to reopen those sites for today’s election.

Powell area voters will again vote at Heart Mountain Hall at the Park County Fairgrounds, with Cody area voters casting ballots at Cody Auditorium or Cody Recreation Center (depending on where they live) and Meeteetse residents will be voting at the Meeteetse Senior Center.

While many voters are focused on the race between Republican President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger, former Vice President Joe Biden, there are a number of other races and issues on the ballot. That includes a U.S. Senate and U.S. House race.

The only locally contested race for the Wyoming Legislature is between two Cody candidates — Republican Rachel Rodriguez-Williams and independent Cindy Johnson Bennett — who are vying to replace state Rep. David Northrup, R-Powell, in House District 50. That district includes the eastern part of Cody, Clark, Ralston, Heart Mountain, Sunlight and Crandall and the Willwood area south of Powell.

The other legislative races and the race for two seats on the Park County Commission are all uncontested, with only Republicans on the ballot.

However, there are multiple nonpartisan races that are contested.

For example, on the Powell City Council, Geoff Hovivian and James Andrews are facing off in Ward 1, with Heath Streeter challenging incumbent Lesli Spencer in Ward 3.

Additionally, there are contested races for the Powell school board and boards governing Northwest College, the Powell hospital, Crown Hill Cemetery and the Powell Clarks Fork Conservation District.

Voters will also decide whether to raise the local sales tax rate from 4 to 5% over the next four years to provide additional revenue to local governments. Historically, general purpose sales taxes have been handily shot down by local voters, but Park County government, City of Powell, City of Cody and Town of Meeteetse leaders are hoping that trend is broken this year.

Voters will also decide whether to continue imposing a 4% lodging tax at local hotels, motels, Airbnbs and campgrounds. That tax funds the Park County Travel Council’s efforts to promote the area to tourists, with 10% sent to local governments. It’s historically been supported by voters, but there’s a new wrinkle this year, as lawmakers created a new 3% state tax on lodging that will take effect Jan. 1.

County voters also have to decide whether they want to allow pari-mutuel wagering — a form of betting that could bring more slot-machine like games to local businesses and, potentially, horse racing.

For more information about the election, visit the Park County Elections Office website at www.parkcountyelections.net.