Bill
# HB048
Pen and Paper Ballots
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Current Progress
Waiting for Committee Assignment
Failed Introduction
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Summary
Bill Description
AN ACT relating to elections; requiring counties to use pen and paper as the default method to mark ballots for elections in Wyoming; providing an exception; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date.
Notes
This legislative bill establishes paper ballots as the standard for in-person voting in Wyoming, creating W.S. 22-13-119 and amending related statutes to prioritize secure, verifiable voting methods. By mandating paper ballots and pens as the default while allowing electronic aids solely for voters with disabilities, the bill promotes election integrity, accessibility, and compliance with federal standards. Effective immediately upon enactment, it represents a proactive step toward trustworthy elections that build public confidence.
Under the new W.S. 22-13-119(a), counties must provide paper ballots and pens for all in-person voters, ensuring secret marking in line with the Election Code. This tangible method reduces risks associated with electronic vulnerabilities, offering a verifiable paper trail that facilitates audits and recounts, thereby strengthening the democratic process.
This bill fortifies Wyoming's election system by emphasizing security and verifiability through paper ballots, while upholding inclusivity for disabled voters—aligning with national accessibility laws. It empowers county clerks to maintain efficient processes, potentially reducing disputes and enhancing civic participation. In a time of heightened scrutiny on elections, this measure reassures citizens of fair, tamper-resistant voting, reinforcing Wyoming's reputation for principled governance and setting a strong example for electoral reform. Overall, it's a commonsense enhancement that prioritizes democracy, transparency, and voter confidence.
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Waiting for Committee Assignment
In Commitee
In Chamber
Governor's Desk
House
Senate
Waiting for Committee Assignment
Waiting for Committee Assignment
In Commitee
In Commitee
In Chamber
In Chamber
To next chamber
Governor's Desk
Failed Introduction