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Wyoming is the first state in the United States to require evidence of citizenship to register for the vote. The measure, which will take effect in July 2025, applies to all elections (local, state and federal).
Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon has allowed voter residency bills to become law without his signature.
Gordon did not reject the law, but his decision to refrain from signing reflects his neutral attitude towards the law, focusing on verifying voter eligibility.
«I am a strong supporter of the idea that citizens should be Wyoming residents for quite some time before they are allowed to participate in our elections (it took 18 years),» Gordon said.
He also expressed concern over the ambiguity of some of the terms in the law, including the possibility of refusing to vote for “any indication” of the issue of the registered document. With no clear standards, it may be difficult for county store clerks to apply.
Gordon also predicted that the law would likely lead to lawsuits. However, he acknowledged that the law gives the Secretary of State the power to regulate voter identification.
The law is another step towards improving the integrity of state elections and is consistent with Republican policies aimed at ensuring voters are properly established in Wyoming.
A new law known as HB 156will be handed by State Legislaturerequires Wyoming residents to present documents confirming their US citizenship and national residence.
Accepted documents to prove citizenship include a valid Wyoming or actual ID, a valid tribal ID, and another state driver’s license with a US passport. Proof of residence will be determined by the Secretary of State through future regulations.
Additionally, the law sets a 30-day residency requirement before voting. This is a controversial provision due to potential incompatibility with Wyoming’s constitution, requiring the state’s one-year residency and 60 days of constituency, according to Governor Mark Gordon.
This initiative is part of a package of 45 election-related legislative proposals presented during Wyoming’s 2025 General Session. Secretary of State Chuck Gray and the Wyoming Freedom Caucus were key promoters of the measure.
With the Wyoming Freedom Caucus agenda aimed at passing important laws early in the session, Wyoming continues to demonstrate its commitment to a strong Republican ideal.
This is an important step for those advocating for strengthening election security, especially amid concerns about voter fraud.
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