HB0238 would create a prohibition on “ballot harvesting” by making it unlawful for a person to deliver another elector’s ballot to the county clerk, while preserving specified exceptions. The bill amends Wyoming election law to require that, after a qualified elector marks a ballot and signs the affidavit, the ballot must be sealed in the inner envelope and mailed or delivered to the clerk in the manner allowed by law. It also clarifies that certain conduct connected to the election process, if knowingly and willfully committed, remains subject to felony penalties under existing election-crime provisions.
The bill is framed as an election-integrity measure and is set to take effect July 1, 2025. Its practical effect would be to limit third-party collection and delivery of absentee or mail ballots, shifting responsibility back to the individual voter except where an exception applies. It would also reinforce the criminal enforcement structure already present in Wyoming election statutes by tying prohibited conduct to felony-level penalties.
Impact
HB0238 would amend Wyoming election statutes, including W.S. 22-9-113 and 22-26-101(a), to restrict third-party delivery of ballots and to specify how ballots must be handled after being marked and signed. The bill would affect voters using absentee or mail ballots, county clerks who receive ballots, and any individuals or organizations that assist in ballot collection. It would also reinforce existing felony penalties for knowingly and willfully unlawful election-related conduct, thereby increasing legal risk for prohibited ballot collection practices.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have generally favorable support among legislators, consistent with its passage in the House by a wide margin and a favorable committee recommendation in the Senate. However, the recorded votes also show that amendments were contested, indicating some disagreement over the bill’s details or scope. Overall, the voting history suggests the core prohibition on ballot harvesting was broadly supported, even if specific language changes drew opposition.
Contention
The main point of contention is the extent to which third parties should be allowed to handle and deliver ballots on behalf of voters, with supporters favoring tighter controls to prevent improper ballot collection and opponents likely concerned about restricting voter assistance or access. The failed amendments suggest there were disagreements about how the prohibition should be drafted or limited, while the adopted amendment and strong final House vote indicate that a revised version of the bill ultimately secured broad support. The available record does not include transcript debate, so the precise arguments are not documented here.