The bill establishes paper ballots as the default voting method for all in-person elections in Wyoming, while permitting counties to offer electronic ballot marking devices for those who prefer them. It outlines a process for the automatic tabulation of paper ballots and details procedures for hand counting during recounts. Additionally, the legislation mandates proof of United States citizenship for voter registration, revises absentee polling place timings, and adjusts primary election and canvassing dates to facilitate hand counting. Key amendments include a definition of "proof of United States citizenship" and the requirement for voters to present this proof when registering.

The bill also enhances election recount procedures by allowing losing candidates to request a recount of all votes for their office, which can be conducted either by hand or electronically, as chosen by the candidate. The Secretary of State is empowered to mandate recounts for specific federal, statewide, or legislative races, while county clerks can also initiate recounts for any ballot proposition or race. The legislation introduces new requirements for candidates and voters seeking recounts, including affidavits detailing the recount method and conditions for triggering recounts based on vote margins. Financial provisions for recounts are established, including variable deposits based on the recount method, and the bill appropriates $200,000 to a newly created election recount account, effective July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 22-8-108, 22-16-111
Engrossed: 22-8-108, 22-16-111