On July 1, 2025, Wyoming became the first U.S. state to mandate proof of citizenship for voter registration in all elections, including federal, under House Bill 156. Signed into law without Gov. Mark Gordon’s signature in March, the measure requires voters to provide documents like a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or Wyoming driver’s license, plus proof of 30-day state residency, such as a utility bill. Secretary of State Chuck Gray championed the law, calling it a “pivotal moment for election integrity” and aligning it with President Donald Trump’s push for federal voter ID reforms like the SAVE Act.
The law, effective immediately, allows county clerks to reject registrations based on “any indication” of noncitizenship, prompting concerns about enforcement clarity. Gordon, in a letter, warned of potential conflicts with the Wyoming Constitution’s one-year residency rule and federal law, predicting litigation. A federal lawsuit by the Equality State Policy Center was dismissed in July for lack of standing, but critics, including the ACLU, argue it risks disenfranchising eligible voters, especially the elderly or those lacking documents. A 2025 Laramie County probe found no noncitizen voting in 2024, undermining claims of widespread fraud.
Supporters, led by the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, insist only citizens should vote, citing a 2025 Rasmussen poll showing 62% public support for stricter voter ID laws. New Hampshire and Louisiana passed similar laws in 2024, but Wyoming’s applies to all elections. As legal challenges loom, the question remains: will Wyoming’s law strengthen election security or create barriers for legitimate voters?
