The Wyoming Senate has voted to introduce a measure that would try and keep people from changing political parties in an effort to influence a political primary election.
Sheridan Sen. Bo Biteman said his bill will eliminate the ability to change political parties close to an election.
Biteman’s bill would force someone voting in a primary to declare their political affiliation three months before a primary election.
“To prevent folks who are not members of a party to come in and vote in somebody else’s primary to influence the outcome of that election,” said Biteman. “It’s a big deal in Wyoming and controversial obviously, but I think it’s important that people feel confident that their vote’s not going to get canceled out.”
Many Wyoming Republicans believe Democrats influenced the outcome of the gubernatorial primary by changing parties and voting for Governor Mark Gordon four years ago. Former President Donald Trump has praised the legislation.
Republicans are hoping to stop Democrats from crossing over and voting for Congresswoman Liz Cheney in the 2022 primary. The bill now will move to a legislative committee for further consideration.
