Clearmont's election set for this week

SHERIDAN (WNE) — Most municipalities in Wyoming conduct elections on the same timeline as statewide elections. The town of Clearmont, nestled in eastern Sheridan County, does not.

Candidates for Sheridan City Council, Ranchester and Dayton town councils or mayors of the three municipalities have the same filing process as candidates for elected offices like governor, state representative or county commissioner, among several others. The filing period begins May 14 this year, and candidates for each office are on the primary election ballot.

For the last 50 years, Clearmont has done things a little differently. 

Town residents caucused in March this year to select candidates for mayor and town council. During a caucus, community members nominate candidates and vote for candidates by raising their hands. Incumbents Mayor Chris Schock and Councilmember Ernie Miller are running unopposed; Councilmember Tim Rowe declined a nomination for reelection, meaning there will be one vacant position.

“I’ve told the clerk and the council members, we’ll worry about that June 1 — that’s when you officially take office,” Schock told The Sheridan Press. 

The town will likely advertise the vacancy; interested people must live within town limits and submit an application, after which the town council would review any applications it receives during an executive session.

Clearmont pays for and conducts its own elections, rather than partnering with Sheridan County for the election. In doing so, Schock estimated, the town spends between $1,500 and $2,000.

“It’s cheaper to do it that way than to have it on the general election ballot,” Schock said. He added the town hasn’t figured out exactly how much it would cost to partner with Sheridan County for its election.

Clearmont’s election is May 5.

This story was published on May 1, 2026.