Wyoming Secretary of State pushes proof of residency bill after governor's veto on election integrity
January 15, 2025 | Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions Committee, House of Representative, Committees, Legislative, Wyoming
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The House Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions Committee convened on January 15, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding election integrity and business registration in Wyoming. The meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to amend Title 22 of the Wyoming election code, focusing on proof of residency and citizenship for voter registration.
The session began with remarks from the committee chair, who emphasized the importance of election integrity and the need to address fraud in business registrations. The chair shared personal experiences from their six years in the legislature, particularly regarding the implementation of voter ID laws, which culminated in 2021 after a challenging legislative process.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to House Bill 156, which aims to require documentary proof of residency and citizenship for individuals registering to vote in Wyoming. The chair noted that current regulations only require an attestation of residency, which lacks the necessary verification. The proposed bill seeks to rectify this by mandating proof of residency at the time of voter registration, a measure that has garnered support from county clerks and other stakeholders.
The chair expressed disappointment over a previous veto by Governor Mark Gordon, who argued that the proposed rules exceeded the authority of the secretary of state's office. The chair countered this claim, asserting that the rules were in compliance with existing state law and necessary for ensuring that only qualified residents can vote in Wyoming elections.
The discussion also touched on the importance of adapting to changing standards in residency verification, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly. The chair highlighted the need for flexibility in the documentation required to prove residency, acknowledging the unique challenges faced in areas with limited mail delivery services.
As the meeting progressed, the committee members engaged in a thorough examination of the proposed legislation, with a focus on ensuring that the rules align with both state and federal standards for voter registration. The chair concluded by reiterating the commitment to advancing election integrity measures and ensuring that Wyoming's voting processes are secure and transparent.
The committee plans to continue its discussions on these critical issues in future meetings, with the aim of finalizing the proposed amendments to the election code and addressing any concerns raised during the legislative process.
The session began with remarks from the committee chair, who emphasized the importance of election integrity and the need to address fraud in business registrations. The chair shared personal experiences from their six years in the legislature, particularly regarding the implementation of voter ID laws, which culminated in 2021 after a challenging legislative process.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to House Bill 156, which aims to require documentary proof of residency and citizenship for individuals registering to vote in Wyoming. The chair noted that current regulations only require an attestation of residency, which lacks the necessary verification. The proposed bill seeks to rectify this by mandating proof of residency at the time of voter registration, a measure that has garnered support from county clerks and other stakeholders.
The chair expressed disappointment over a previous veto by Governor Mark Gordon, who argued that the proposed rules exceeded the authority of the secretary of state's office. The chair countered this claim, asserting that the rules were in compliance with existing state law and necessary for ensuring that only qualified residents can vote in Wyoming elections.
The discussion also touched on the importance of adapting to changing standards in residency verification, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly. The chair highlighted the need for flexibility in the documentation required to prove residency, acknowledging the unique challenges faced in areas with limited mail delivery services.
As the meeting progressed, the committee members engaged in a thorough examination of the proposed legislation, with a focus on ensuring that the rules align with both state and federal standards for voter registration. The chair concluded by reiterating the commitment to advancing election integrity measures and ensuring that Wyoming's voting processes are secure and transparent.
The committee plans to continue its discussions on these critical issues in future meetings, with the aim of finalizing the proposed amendments to the election code and addressing any concerns raised during the legislative process.
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