Wyoming Students Cite Jobs and Data Centers as Top Election Drivers

University of Wyoming students say they will likely leave the state for better paying jobs unless local officials create more career options. A recent campus forum revealed that employment prospects outweigh most other issues for young voters heading into the November 3 midterm election. Candidates for city council, sheriff, coroner, county clerk, assessor, treasurer, state Legislature, and governor fielded questions in the Arts and Sciences Auditorium.

The event marked the first time the UW Staff Senate, Faculty Senate, and student government co-hosted a candidate meet and greet. While organizers hoped for high participation, attendees included more adults than students. The gathering occurred less than one week before the election, with many attendees citing the short notice as a factor in attendance levels.

Jordan Uplinger from Wyoming Public Media spoke with several attendees about their priorities. Alastair Bernard, a freshman studying physics with an interest in nuclear sciences, said no candidate gave him confidence that Wyoming would become a hub for the nuclear industry. He noted that the lack of a clear push for this sector left him uncertain about future job availability.

Cline Martinez, who studies anthropology and criminal justice, described the decision to leave the state as a financial calculation. Martinez said he loves Wyoming but will follow high paying opportunities elsewhere if they are not available locally. He emphasized that the choice to stay or go depends entirely on the market for skilled labor in the state.

Aaron Sweeney, a second-year law school student, said he wants leaders who respect young people and inspire hope. Sweeney noted that politics often feels like a muddy mess, but he hopes for engagement that proves things can improve. He mentioned liking one of the sheriff candidates but felt most other candidates did not distinguish themselves strongly enough.

Keiana Morgan, a third-year civil engineering transfer student, suggested the university could have promoted the event more effectively. Morgan said students are busy with classes, exams, and clubs, making it hard to attend an evening forum. She recommended live streaming the event to reach more of the student body.

When asked to list their top three concerns, students consistently identified data centers, public lands, and support for the university. One student specifically called for lawmakers to stand up for UW in future legislative sessions. The election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, with videos of debates and candidate interviews available on the Wyoming Public Media website.