The proposed bill mandates the exclusive use of paper ballots for elections in Wyoming, requiring that all ballots be hand-counted. It repeals existing provisions related to electronic voting machines and electronic pollbooks, emphasizing a return to traditional voting methods to enhance the integrity and transparency of the electoral process. The bill introduces new definitions such as "hand count voting system" and "counting board," and specifies that no electronic pollbooks shall be used during elections, although county clerks may still utilize electronic systems for preparing pollbooks. Additionally, it outlines detailed procedures for hand counting, including the formation of counting teams from different political parties, and establishes new provisions for handling spoiled and rejected ballots.

The bill also includes amendments focusing on the testing and use of accessible voting machines, requiring county clerks to notify political party chairmen prior to testing, which must occur at least two weeks before the election. It specifies that write-in votes will be counted if the intent is clear, and mandates secure storage and specific conditions for counting provisional ballots. The secretary of state is granted authority to establish rules for counting write-in votes and certifying election observers. Furthermore, the bill strengthens penalties for election-related offenses and outlines new procedures for canvassing boards, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 22-1-102, 22-3-113, 22-6-113, 22-9-121, 22-9-125, 22-10-101, 22-10-111, 22-11-103, 22-11-104, 22-11-107, 22-11-109, 22-12-110, 22-12-113, 22-13-109, 22-13-112, 22-14-105, 22-14-111, 22-26-101, 22-26-104