Voting Rights

A new election law is tripping up some voters in Wyoming. Registered voters needed to declare party affiliation back in May to vote the ballot of their choice in the primary election on Aug. 20.

The Wyoming Secretary of State's office is opening a voter resources website. The site includes information on polling places, ID requirements, key dates and a tip line to report suspicious activity.

The County Clerks' Association of Wyoming defended the use of ballot drop boxes in upcoming elections after Secretary of State Chuck Gray urged the state's 23 county clerks to forgo their use.

Governor Mark Gordon rejected the Secretary of State's proposed voter registration rules last week. Gray's proposed rules would have required people registering to vote in Wyoming to prove their residency if their identification didn't already show it.

Secretary of State data show there are nearly 90,000 fewer registered voters in Wyoming today than there were two years ago. That's because Wyoming law requires county clerks to remove the names of voters who did not vote in the most recent general election of 2022.

Senate File 120 would restore civil rights for felons that pleaded guilty or were convicted of a non-violent felony after their sentence and any probation and/or parole is completed. A five-year waiting period is also tacked on, which was a point of contention for some legislators. Restoration of rights under the bill include the right to sit on a jury, hold public office, and own a firearm in Wyoming. A 2017 law allows for the restoration of voting rights.

Senate File 120 would restore civil rights to those who were convicted or plead guilty to non-violent felonies. This includes the right to sit on a jury, hold public office, in addition to restoring second amendment rights. But there are some concerns as to what restoring gun rights to those with these convictions could mean.

Nevada tribes are suing Elko County officials, claiming unequal voting access for the 2022 election.

The Biden administration released a report Thursday detailing the barriers Indigenous voters face. It also recommends solutions federal, state and local governments should take.

What do you think of the bill requiring identification to vote that is working its way through the Wyoming House of Representatives? By contributing your…