Wyoming elections would use paper ballots counted by hand

Election workers would count paper ballots by hand under rules set by Wyoming's secretary of state. These requirements would cover all Wyoming elections, including absentee and early voting. Required recounts would also be done by hand. Simple calculators could add totals counted by hand. Accessible voting devices permitted under federal law could produce one readable ballot per voter for hand counting. The broad equipment ban does not expressly repeat this permission. If it became law, the proposal would take effect immediately and apply to all Wyoming elections after January 1, 2026.

County clerks would track who handles ballots and let the public watch counting. County clerks would track ballots from printing or receipt through final storage and post counting recordings online. Observers could watch without interfering. Public access to custody records would protect personal voter information and specified ballot security details. Counters would need training. Teams would include at least four people from at least two political affiliations. Sealed ballot storage under continuous video surveillance would last at least 24 months after an election. Counting recordings would be kept for at least 60 months.

County clerks would check ballot totals at each stage and audit at least 10% of cast ballots in covered contests. The audit would cover contests between the top two statewide candidates in the county. County clerks could add other contests. Ballot totals would have to match before the audit proceeds. The county board that reviews election results would investigate discrepancies. If it could not determine the cause beyond a reasonable doubt, it would void affected results. A related rule would require a special election when a reported discrepancy caused a material election error. Audit results and completed ballot-total reports would be due at least three days before the state board meets to review election results. Reports would be posted online.

The proposal would define ballot secrecy as ending when a voter puts the ballot in the box. The definition would apply to ballot and vote secrecy terms in Wyoming's election laws. The definition would not require secrecy after deposit or protection of a voter's handwriting.

Election officials and county clerks who knowingly violated hand-counting rules could face fines up to $5,000 per violation. Officials, deputies, and assistants who violated election law or failed to perform required duties would face felony penalties and possible removal from office. Other election-law charges could also apply. Knowingly and willfully interfering with hand counting or ballot-total checks would carry up to six months in county jail, a fine up to $1,000, or both. The separate felony provision for officials' election-law violations does not state an intent requirement.