The bill establishes paper ballots as the default voting method for all in-person elections in Wyoming, while still permitting the use of electronic ballot marking devices for those who prefer them. It introduces a process for the automatic tabulation of paper ballots and outlines procedures for hand counting during recounts. Additionally, the legislation mandates proof of United States citizenship for voter registration, revises absentee polling hours, and adjusts the primary election dates to the second Monday in August to facilitate hand counting. Key amendments include defining "proof of United States citizenship" and allowing recounts to be conducted either by hand or with electronic voting equipment.

Moreover, the bill allows losing candidates to request recounts of all votes for their office, with the option to choose the recount method. The Secretary of State can also mandate recounts for specific federal, statewide, or legislative races. The county clerk is empowered to initiate recounts for any ballot proposition or race, using either method. The legislation creates an election recount account to ensure continuous funding for recount-related expenses and modifies the requirements for candidates requesting recounts, including the need for an affidavit detailing the recount method. It also adjusts deposit amounts for recount requests and outlines financial responsibilities based on recount circumstances, while appropriating $200,000 to the new account and setting the act to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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