In the first successful recall campaign in Rio Blanco County in recent memory, Commissioner Gary Moyer, elected in 2018, has been recalled by voters 1,160 to 717, according to unofficial results (note: updated May 11 to reflect new report).
The campaign to recall Moyer began more than a year ago, delayed by two separate contested petitions, and a lawsuit filed against the county clerk.
Voters were given an opportunity to have their say on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, and voted to recall Moyer on multiple grounds.
The second question on the ballot determines who will be Moyer’s successor for the remainder of his term, which extends to January 2023. Virginia Love won the successor’s seat over Terry Smalec 995 to 522. Love and Doug Overton are vying to be the Republican candidate for the seat in the next term in the primary election on June 28.
Love will be seated as Moyer’s successor once the outcome of the election is certified, joining Commission Chair Ty Gates and Jennifer O’Hearon — appointed by the RBC Republican Party’s vacancy committee to replace Jeff Rector, who resigned last month — on the board.
Editor’s Note: This post has been updated to reflect updated vote counts released by the RBC Clerk and Recorder’s Office.