In a recent meeting of the Joint Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions Committee, concerns about election security took center stage, echoing a growing unease among lawmakers and citizens alike. The discussion, held on May 8, 2025, revealed deep-seated anxieties regarding the reliability of voting machines and the integrity of the electoral process in Wyoming.

As the meeting unfolded, a key speaker, Miss Butler, articulated a stark reality: "These machines can't be trusted." Her statement resonated with many present, highlighting a pervasive belief that vulnerabilities in election technology could undermine democracy itself. Butler pointed to past incidents in Wyoming where glitches had led to miscounts, emphasizing that even well-conducted public tests had not been immune to errors. "We need to catch up," she urged, calling for a proactive approach to election security.

The discussion turned to the aging technology currently in use, with Butler noting that many voting machines still operated on outdated software, specifically Windows 10. She raised alarms about the potential costs of upgrading these systems, suggesting that millions of dollars would be required to ensure they met modern security standards. "We need to think forward," she insisted, stressing the importance of not just maintaining the status quo but actively seeking improvements.

Questions from committee members further illuminated the complexities of election security. Representative Yen, a software developer, sought clarity on the risks associated with software updates and the potential for hacking. Butler responded by emphasizing the need for machines manufactured in the U.S. to avoid proprietary issues that could leave them vulnerable to foreign interference. She warned that without the ability to audit and reconcile votes with paper ballots, trust in the electoral process would continue to erode.

The meeting underscored a critical juncture for Wyoming's electoral system. As federal authorities begin to scrutinize election security more closely, the committee's discussions signal a potential shift towards more rigorous oversight and modernization of voting technology. The call for action is clear: lawmakers must address these vulnerabilities to restore public confidence in the electoral process and ensure that every vote counts as intended. As the committee moves forward, the implications of their decisions will resonate far beyond the walls of the meeting room, shaping the future of democracy in Wyoming.