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 the procedures for hand counting votes during recounts. Additionally, the legislation mandates proof of United States citizenship for voter registration, revises the timing for absentee polling places, and adjusts the dates for primary elections and canvassing to facilitate hand counting. Key amendments include a definition of "proof of United States citizenship" and the requirement for voters to provide such proof when registering.

The bill also enhances the election recount process, allowing a losing candidate to request a recount of all votes, which can be conducted either by hand or using electronic voting equipment. The Secretary of State is authorized to mandate a recount of one federal, statewide, or legislative race the day after an election, while county clerks can initiate recounts for any ballot proposition or race. The legislation establishes an election recount account with continuous appropriations for recount costs, which will be covered by the county or the Secretary of State depending on who initiates the recount. Additionally, it modifies the requirements for recount requests, including the need for affidavits to specify the desired recount method and adjusts the financial obligations associated with these requests. The bill appropriates $200,000 to the election recount account, with an effective date of July 1, 2025.

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