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Wyoming has become the first state in the United States to require proof of citizenship for residents to register to vote. This measure, which will take effect in July 2025, will apply to all elections: local, state, and federal.
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon allowed the voter residency bill to become law without his signature.
While Gordon did not veto the legislation, his decision to refrain from signing it reflects his neutral stance on a law focused on verifying voter eligibility.
«I am a strong supporter of the idea that citizens should be residents of Wyoming for a considerable period of time before being allowed to participate in our elections (it took me eighteen years),» Gordon said.
Additionally, he expressed concern over the vagueness of some terms in the law, such as the possibility of rejecting a vote for «any indication» of an issue with registration documentation. This could be difficult for county clerks to apply as there is no clear standard.
Gordon also anticipated that the law would likely lead to litigation. However, he acknowledged that the legislation grants the Secretary of State the authority to regulate voter identification, something he had unsuccessfully attempted last year.
This legislation is another step toward improving election integrity in the state, aligning with Republican policies aimed at ensuring voters are properly established in Wyoming.
The new law, known as HB 156, passed by the state legislature, requires Wyoming residents to present documents confirming their U.S. citizenship and state residency.
Accepted documents for proving citizenship include valid Wyoming or other state driver’s licenses with Real ID, valid tribal IDs, and U.S. passports. Proof of residency will be determined by the Secretary of State through future regulations.
Moreover, the law sets a 30-day residency requirement before voting, a provision that has sparked controversy due to its potential incompatibility with Wyoming’s constitution, which mandates one year of residency in the state and 60 days in the electoral district, according to Governor Mark Gordon.
This initiative is part of a package of 45 election-related legislative proposals presented during Wyoming’s 2025 general session. Secretary of State Chuck Gray and the Wyoming Freedom Caucus have been key promoters of this measure.
With the Wyoming Freedom Caucus’ agenda, which aims to pass key legislation in the early days of the session, Wyoming continues to demonstrate its commitment to strong Republican ideals.
This is a significant step for those advocating for enhanced election security, especially amidst concerns about voter fraud.
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