Bill Description
AN ACT relating to
elections; prohibiting a person from delivering ballots of other
electors to the county clerk; providing exceptions; specifying that
ballots shall not be tabulated as specified; providing a penalty; and
providing for an effective date.
Notes
This legislative amendment to Wyoming Statutes W.S. 22-9-113 and
22-26-101 strengthens the integrity of absentee voting by establishing
clear guidelines for ballot delivery and introducing accountability
measures. Effective immediately upon enactment, it ensures secure
handling of ballots while accommodating vulnerable populations, such as
those in residential care facilities, promoting trust and fairness in
the electoral process.
Under subsections (a) and (b), ballots can be mailed or
delivered only by the elector themselves, immediate family members, or
authorized residential facility employees. This focused approach
minimizes risks of unauthorized handling, safeguarding the chain of
custody and ensuring ballots reach clerks directly from trusted sources.
Subsection
(d) mandates that ballots delivered in violation are not tabulated if
detected early, with clerks notifying affected electors to allow
corrections. This proactive measure protects legitimate votes while
deterring misconduct.
This bill exemplifies
Wyoming's commitment to election security and accessibility, balancing
rigorous safeguards with compassionate provisions for at-risk voters. By
clarifying delivery rules and enhancing accountability, it reduces
potential for fraud, boosts public confidence in absentee voting, and
streamlines administrative processes for clerks. Ultimately, it
strengthens democracy by ensuring every vote is cast and counted fairly,
supporting a more resilient and trustworthy electoral system for all
Wyoming residents.
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