AN ACT relating to elections; prohibiting the use of drop boxes for the delivery of ballots as specified; and providing for an effective date.
Summary
HB0049 would amend Wyoming election law to prohibit the use of ballot drop boxes. Under the bill, absentee ballots would have to be returned by mail or hand delivery to the county clerk, and no public employee or election official could establish or use a drop box for collecting absentee ballots. The bill also defines “drop box” broadly to include any receptacle that could be used to deliver an absentee ballot outside the methods allowed by law.
If a ballot is improperly delivered through a prohibited drop box, the county clerk could notify the voter that the ballot is spoiled. The bill would take effect immediately upon completion of the constitutional steps required for enactment.
Impact
The bill would narrow the permitted methods for returning absentee ballots under W.S. 22-9-113 by eliminating drop boxes as an authorized return option. It would affect county clerks, election officials, and absentee voters by requiring ballots to be mailed or physically delivered directly to the clerk, and it would give clerks authority to treat ballots delivered in violation of the section as spoiled. Because the bill failed introduction, it did not become law and therefore did not change current election procedures.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill was controversial and did not advance, failing introduction by a 38-24 vote. The lack of committee transcript material limits insight into detailed debate, but the vote indicates meaningful opposition alongside substantial support. Overall, the bill appears to have drawn a divided response consistent with broader disputes over absentee voting procedures and election security.
Contention
The main point of contention is the elimination of ballot drop boxes, which supporters likely viewed as a way to tighten ballot-return rules and opponents likely viewed as reducing voter convenience and access to absentee voting. Another issue is the bill’s broad definition of “drop box,” which would cover receptacles used for other filings or payments if they could be used to deliver absentee ballots. The authority for clerks to mark improperly delivered ballots as spoiled could also be a concern for voters and election administrators.