The Carbon County Comet reached out to all candidates running for higher State office, and also specifically Carbon County positions. We also reached out to persons who were running for a town position in the County. The same question was sent to all, although modified to center on a town if a person was running for mayor or a council position. We contacted most by email that was provided by the Carbon County website on candidate information.

PRIMARY ELECTION CARBON COUNTY, WYOMING

AUGUST 18, 2026

POLLS OPEN AT 7:00 A.M. AND CLOSE AT 7:00 P.M.

Party changes will not be allowed on Election Day

Voting Locations:

01-01 Jeffrey Center (Rawlins) 315 W. Pine Street, Rawlins

01-02 Jeffrey Center (Rawlins) 315 W. Pine Street, Rawlins

Press Release

City of Rawlins

Construction on the Edinburgh Street Reconstruction Project continues to move forward, and crews are preparing for the next phase of work at the Edinburgh Street and Inverness Boulevard intersection. A temporary full closure of the intersection is planned to begin early next week. The closure is expected to last approximately one week. 

During the closure:

Press Release

Wyoming State Forestry Division

Press Release

Carbon County Sheriff

On Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, dispatchers with the Carbon County Unified Dispatch Center received a report of a suicidal subject in the Medicine Bow National Forest, north of Highway 130.

Press Release

Rawlins Police Department

The Rawlins Police Department is extending our condolences after the tragic loss of a juvenile following a collision involving a bicycle and a vehicle near the intersection of East State Street and Jefferson Avenue.  

By MIke Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The Board of Carbon County Commissioners (BOCCC) had their regularly scheduled meeting on August 4, starting at 9 a.m. at the Carbon Building.

The BOCCC quickly approved the agenda, meeting minutes of July 26, consent agenda and approval of bills. Chairman Travis Moore was absent and Vice Chair Gwynn Bartlett chaired the meeting.

Press Release

City of Rawlins

The City of Rawlins is providing an update to its recent drought response measures.

Beginning Tuesday, July 28, the City resumed watering of parks and other public green spaces at approximately 50% of normal irrigation levels. In addition, the Rawlins Splash Pad has returned to its regular operating hours.

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

Governor Mark Gordon came to Rawlins Wednesday with a simple message: Wyoming’s future will not be built by chance. It will be built by strong communities that know who they are, protect what makes them unique and welcome new opportunities without sacrificing their values.

Press Release

City of Rawlins

Crews are now in the field working on Rawlins’ Sage Creek Transmission Pipeline Cathodic Protection Project. This project has been several years in the making. The City secured grant funding to cover half the costs, completed engineering and design, awarded the construction contract this spring, and work is now underway.

Press Release

City of Rawlins

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The town of Medicine Bow held its town council July 13 at 6 p.m. at the Community Hall. Those in attendance were Mayor Justin George, and council members: Trevor Strauch, Lee Cook, Crystal Mayfield, and Kristi Wickizer. The minutes from the regularly scheduled June 8 Council meeting and financials were approved.

Press Release

Forest Service, Public Affairs: Aaron Voos

Campfires are only allowed in USDA Forest Service approved and installed fire pits/grates, or gas-fueled devices with an on/off switch.

Beginning Friday, July 24, 2026, Stage 1 fire restrictions will be in place for the entirety of the Medicine Bow National Forest and Thunder Basin National Grassland in Wyoming. 

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

Press Release

Mayvon Platte, Grand Encampment Opera House

Voters are invited to attend a candidate meet and greet on Thursday, July 31, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Encampment Opera House.

Candidates for U.S. Senate, U.S. Representative, Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Carbon County legislative seats, and Carbon County Sheriff have been invited to participate.