WY Gov. Gordon Won’t Say If He’ll Sign Proof Of Citizenship Bill
Wyoming’s House Bill 156, which requires proof of citizenship to register to vote, is currently awaiting the signature of Governor Mark Gordon. The bill was approved by the Wyoming House and outlines that all “qualified electors” must have been bona fide residents of the state for at least 30 days before the election in which they intend to vote. To prove their U.S. citizenship, eligible voters must present specific documents, such as a valid Wyoming driver’s license, an American passport, or a certificate of United States citizenship.
The final version of the bill, which incorporates provisions from another related bill, HB 157, has changed the registration confirmation process for individuals who do not meet the documentation requirements. While the original version prevented county clerks from registering individuals if their identification indicated non-citizenship unless proof of citizenship was also presented, the amended version allows for a signed attestation affirming residency in Wyoming to act as proof if other documentation is lacking, pending verification by the appropriate authorities.
Secretary of State Chuck Gray supports the bill, emphasizing its role in ensuring that only U.S. citizens vote in Wyoming. the bill aligns with broader “election integrity” initiatives spearheaded by Gray and connects with national efforts advocating for similar citizenship proof requirements. However, Governor Gordon has not publicly stated his intention regarding signing the bill, and he has until a specified deadline to make a decision. If he chooses not to act on it, the bill could still become law without his signature if the legislature is still in session.
The passage of HB 156 represents a significant move toward stricter voting regulations in Wyoming, positioning the state to require proof of citizenship for all elections, which some argue enhances election integrity.
A bill requiring Wyoming residents to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote is sitting on Gov. Mark Gordon’s desk awaiting signature. But the Republican governor is refusing to say whether he’ll sign it into law.
On Friday, the Wyoming House approved HB 156, which would amend state law by mandating all “qualified elector[s]” to have been a “bona fide resident of Wyoming for not less than thirty (30) days before the date of the election at which he offers to vote.” The bill also includes examples of documentation eligible registrants must provide to prove their U.S. citizenship.
Among the listed documents are a “valid Wyoming driver’s license … provided that the license or identification card does not contain any indication that the person is not a United States citizen,” a valid American passport, a “certificate of United States citizenship,” and more.
The final version of HB 156 passed by both chambers includes provisions from HB 157, which contained the aforementioned examples of “proof of United States citizenship” documents eligible voters must show when registering to vote. The final version of HB 156 also appears to have altered the process of confirming the registration of an individual who fails to comply with requirements.
The original version passed by the House in January specified that county clerks “shall not register a person if the person’s presented identification or proof of residence contains any indication that the person is not a citizen of the United States unless the person also presents proof of citizenship as specified by rule of the secretary of state.”
The amended Senate version subsequently approved by both chambers, however, stipulates that, “If a person does not have the documents or other proof of residency specified by rule of the secretary of state, ‘proof of residence’ may be established by a signed attestation of the person that the person is a bona fide resident of the state of Wyoming.” That attestation, according to the approved bill, would then “be subject to verification by the county clerk or the secretary of state.”
Secretary of State Chuck Gray applauded the legislature’s passage of HB 156, saying in a statement, “Only United States citizens, and only Wyomingites, should be voting in Wyoming elections.” Proof of citizenship requirements were included in Gray’s “Election Integrity Agenda” for the 2025 session.
“HB 156 will ensure that we protect Wyoming elections and is also key in supporting President Trump’s pivotal work to have proof of citizenship for registering to vote with the SAVE Act at the federal level,” Gray said. “With the passage of this landmark legislation, Wyoming will further cement our commitment to election integrity, as the only state to require proof of citizenship for all elections, an important priority of President Trump.”
The Republican secretary of state further encouraged Gordon to sign the bill into law. It’s unclear, however, whether the Cowboy State governor plans to do so.
When pressed on whether Gordon intends to sign HB 156 into law, Gordon Communications Director Michael Pearlman told The Federalist, “HB 156 reached the Governor’s desk [Monday], and he has until Thursday at midnight to act on it. The Governor will give the bill careful consideration.”
As The Federalist previously reported, Gordon vetoed a series of rules instituting proof of residency requirements put forward by Gray last year. In his letter to Gray, the Republican governor argued that the secretary lacked statutory authority to alter election procedures without authorization from the legislature.
According to the Wyoming Legislature, any bill approved by the House and Senate can “become law without [the governor’s] signature.” If lawmakers are still in session, “the Governor has three days to act, and 15 days to act once the Legislature has adjourned.”
The governor may also veto bills, which could be overturned by a two-thirds vote in both chambers.
Election integrity bills prohibiting ranked-choice voting, ballot drop boxes, and “Zuckbucks,” enhancing voter roll maintenance, and more have passed the Wyoming House and are awaiting approval in the state Senate.
For more election news and updates, visit electionbriefing.com.
Shawn Fleetwood is a staff writer for The Federalist and a graduate of the University of Mary Washington. He previously served as a state content writer for Convention of States Action and his work has been featured in numerous outlets, including RealClearPolitics, RealClearHealth, and Conservative Review. Follow him on Twitter @ShawnFleetwood
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