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Weston County’s elections office is in flux again after County Clerk Michael Tooman abruptly stepped down on Tuesday, less than two months after a judge installed him and roughly three weeks before the August primary. The resignation comes amid lingering fallout from last year’s ballot miscount and ongoing concerns about the county’s ability to run a smooth, credible vote.
Tooman said he resigned to remove a potential distraction from the election process and to protect the integrity of local voting. He declined to explain all the circumstances but acknowledged local reaction to his choices made his position politically untenable.
What led to the resignation
The departure follows a turbulent 2024 for the Newcastle clerk’s office. Last year’s vote count errors, traced to former clerk Becky Hadlock, prompted public outrage, multiple investigations and criminal charges. Hadlock resigned in April after her arrest; prosecutors later reduced one felony to a misdemeanor under a plea agreement and dismissed a second charge.
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In June, a district court judge appointed Tooman to fill the vacant clerk’s seat after county commissioners failed to select a replacement from names submitted by the local party. His appointment was already controversial, and Tooman said mounting criticism — including objections over outside help he enlisted to set up election systems — made his continued service a liability.
He stressed that he had not acted unlawfully, but said perception among residents had shifted and that, in politics, appearance can override intentions.
Immediate consequences for the August primary
With Tooman’s withdrawal from the clerk’s race, deputy clerk Amber Green is now the only candidate on the ballot and is serving as interim clerk. Green confirmed public testing of the county’s voting machines, scheduled for today, has been postponed while her office coordinates with the Wyoming Secretary of State to keep preparations on track for the Aug. 18 primary.
- Resignation: Michael Tooman resigned Tuesday; he was appointed in June by a district court judge.
- Primary date: Aug. 18 — roughly three weeks from the resignation.
- Interim clerk: Amber Green is serving in the clerk role and is unopposed in the primary.
- Machine testing: Public testing postponed as the clerk’s office and state election officials coordinate next steps.
- Background: Last year’s ballot miscount led to investigations, a subpoena, and criminal charges against former clerk Becky Hadlock.
Local reaction and practical risks
Residents and local officials have expressed frustration over repeated disruptions to election administration. For voters, the immediate risk is logistical: delays in testing or unclear communications could reduce confidence or complicate turnout at the polls.
Election experts stress that last-minute leadership changes increase the chances of administrative errors and voter confusion, especially in counties that have recently experienced contested results. County staff and the Secretary of State’s office now face the task of ensuring equipment checks, poll worker training and public information proceed without further hiccups.
Tooman voiced confidence in Green’s ability to manage the office, saying he resigned so she could step in without controversy. Green has not offered additional comment beyond confirming the postponed testing and ongoing coordination with state officials.
As the Aug. 18 primary approaches, Weston County officials must balance speed and transparency to restore public trust and deliver an election that both runs smoothly and withstands scrutiny.
