The Wyoming House of Representatives has passed two bills designed to strengthen voting registration requirements in the state, Casper Star Tribune reports.
These measures—HB 156 and HB 157—require proof of residency and citizenship for individuals registering to vote, as well as establish a 30-day residency requirement before one can register.
The bills, introduced by Rep. John Bear, R-Gillette, are part of the Freedom Caucus’s legislative strategy known as the “Five and Dime Plan,” which aims to pass five pieces of legislation within the first 10 days of the session. Secretary of State Chuck Gray, Wyoming’s chief election official, has expressed support for the bills, which align with his previously stated goals for election reform in the state.
HB 156 mandates that individuals wishing to register to vote in Wyoming must prove they have been a “bona fide” resident of the state for at least 30 days before an election. County clerks will be required to verify this residency when people register to vote. HB 157, meanwhile, would require individuals to provide proof of US citizenship when registering. Acceptable documents for proof of citizenship include valid state-issued identification cards, tribal identification, US passports, birth certificates, and other official records.
In a statement following the House’s approval of the bills, Secretary of State Chuck Gray praised the passage, calling the bills a key part of his election integrity agenda.
“I want to commend the House’s passage of these bills, which have been priority number one of our election integrity agenda,” Gray said. “I look forward to continuing to work with the Legislature to achieve meaningful, conservative reform.”
Both bills passed with significant support in the House and are now headed to the Senate. Senate President Bo Biteman, R-Ranchester, will decide whether to introduce them and send them to a committee for further consideration. If the bills pass through the Senate, they will be sent to Governor Mark Gordon, who will have the opportunity to either sign them into law or veto them.
