HB0232 revises Wyoming election law to create a process for certain recounts to be conducted by hand count rather than solely through machine retabulation. It defines recounts, authorizes recounts in specified close-election and petition-driven situations, and allows candidates and electors to request recounts under set procedures. The bill also clarifies when counting boards must be appointed, permits judges of election to count votes in some precincts without a counting board, and requires the secretary of state to adopt rules governing recount standards and damaged or unreadable ballots.
The bill also adjusts election administration timelines to make room for recounts, including changing the timing of the primary election and county/state canvasses. It creates an election recount account and appropriates $200,000 from the general fund to support recount costs. The measure includes conforming amendments and repeals conflicting provisions, while also addressing cost allocation rules for recounts depending on whether the recount changes the result or is initiated by election officials or by petitioners.
Impact
HB0232 would amend multiple sections of Wyoming’s Election Code, especially provisions governing recounts, canvassing, counting boards, and bond elections. It adds a statutory framework for hand-counted recounts in certain circumstances, shifts some election calendar dates, creates a dedicated recount account, and provides a general fund appropriation. The bill affects county clerks, county canvassing boards, the secretary of state, candidates, electors, and counties that may bear recount costs.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad legislative support, passing the House 51-9 after a favorable Appropriations Committee recommendation of 6-1. The available record suggests the measure was generally viewed as a practical election-administration bill, with enough support to move through committee and the chamber comfortably. The absence of committee transcript discussion limits insight into detailed debate, but the vote margins indicate overall positive sentiment with some minority opposition.
Contention
The main points of contention likely center on whether recounts should be hand-counted, when recounts should be mandatory versus requested, and who should pay for them. The bill places financial responsibility on counties when a recount is required by law or changes the result, but on candidates or petitioners when they request a recount that does not alter the outcome. Another likely issue is the administrative burden of changing election dates and requiring rulemaking and new recount procedures, which may have drawn the minority votes against the bill.