Wyoming’s new voter residency requirement has officially become law, but not with the governor’s endorsement. Governor Mark Gordon chose not to sign House Bill 156, allowing it to take effect without his approval. The bill mandates that voters prove they have lived in Wyoming for at least 30 days before they can vote.
In a letter addressing the bill, Gordon expressed concerns about its legality, pointing out that it conflicts with federal law, which prohibits states from imposing residency duration requirements for presidential elections. He acknowledged that this issue will likely be settled in court.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Chuck Gray welcomed the bill’s passage, calling it a major step for election integrity in Wyoming. He emphasized the importance of requiring proof of both citizenship and residency to vote, stating, “Only United States citizens, and only Wyomingites, should be voting in Wyoming elections.”
Gordon also used his letter to criticize Gray’s previous attempts to impose similar requirements before the bill became law. He argued that Gray had tried to exceed his authority last year by pushing rules without legislative approval. Despite his concerns, Gordon noted that the legislature has now made its position clear, while also stressing that voting rights should not be unduly restricted.
