Legal Challenge Aims to Strike Down HB 156, a Law that Creates Unnecessary Barriers to Voting
LARAMIE, WY — Today, the Equality State Policy Center (ESPC) filed a lawsuit challenging Wyoming House Bill 156, a recently enrolled law that imposes new, burdensome proof-of-citizenship and proof-of-residency requirements on Wyoming voters. The lawsuit argues that HB 156 violates both state and federal law and threatens to deprive legitimate Wyoming voters of their right and freedom to vote.
“Wyoming has a proud tradition of fair and secure elections, and there is no evidence of non-citizen voting or widespread fraud to justify the harsh new restrictions in HB 156,” said ESPC Executive Director Jenny DeSarro. “This unnecessary law creates significant barriers that will prevent eligible citizens from exercising their constitutional right to vote, particularly young voters, women who changed their names when they married, low-income voters, and Hispanic voters. These hardworking Wyomingites must be allowed to exercise their rights and freedoms at the ballot box.”
The lawsuit comes after Governor Mark Gordon allowed the bill to become law without his signature. Explaining why he refused to sign the bill, the Republican Governor cited significant legal concerns, writing that the legislation “adheres to neither the original construction of our Constitution nor federal law.”
Governor Gordon specifically questioned the legality of the bill’s residency requirement, raised concerns about disenfranchisement of lawful voters, and noted Wyoming’s “excellent track record with election integrity and security.”
“We commend Wyoming’s County Clerks along with their staff and volunteers for operating honest, secure, and trustworthy elections in service to all Wyomingites,” DeSarro emphasized.
Under existing Wyoming law, voters already must provide proof of identity and attest under penalty of perjury that they are U.S. citizens residing in Wyoming. HB 156 goes further by requiring specific documentation to prove citizenship and residency status, and requiring voters to attest that they have resided in Wyoming for at least 30 days before casting a ballot.
Click HERE to read the full lawsuit.
