Wyoming Secretary of State Reviews Noncitizen ID Bill Draft to Boost Election Integrity
November 16, 2024 | Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs, Joint & Standing, Committees, Legislative, Wyoming
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The Wyoming Legislature's Joint Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee convened on November 15, 2024, to discuss critical revisions to noncitizen driver's licenses and ID cards, focusing on enhancing election integrity. Secretary of State Gray emphasized the need for clearer designations on credentials issued to non-U.S. citizens, stating that the proposed changes would help prevent noncitizens from voting, a priority for his office.
Gray highlighted that the current system lacks clarity, particularly regarding nonresident designations, which can lead to confusion at polling places. He argued that making it explicit on the ID that a person is not a U.S. citizen would aid election officials during the busy election day, especially with same-day registrations. "The NR designation is not as prominent as it should be," he noted, advocating for a more straightforward identification method.
The committee also heard from county clerks, including Mary Langford, who acknowledged the rarity of noncitizens attempting to register to vote. She pointed out that a modernization project by the Wyoming Department of Transportation (YDOT), set to launch in early 2025, would allow county clerks to access real-time data on voter citizenship and residency status. This system aims to streamline the verification process without necessitating changes to current ID designs.
Langford expressed optimism about the modernization project, stating it would enhance the ability to verify voter eligibility at polling places. "This will allow us to troubleshoot a solution prior to the 2026 election cycle," she said, reinforcing the importance of ensuring that only Wyoming citizens participate in elections.
The discussions underscored a commitment to improving election integrity in Wyoming, with both the Secretary of State's office and county clerks working collaboratively to implement effective measures ahead of future elections. The anticipated changes aim to bolster voter confidence and ensure compliance with state laws regarding voter eligibility.
Gray highlighted that the current system lacks clarity, particularly regarding nonresident designations, which can lead to confusion at polling places. He argued that making it explicit on the ID that a person is not a U.S. citizen would aid election officials during the busy election day, especially with same-day registrations. "The NR designation is not as prominent as it should be," he noted, advocating for a more straightforward identification method.
The committee also heard from county clerks, including Mary Langford, who acknowledged the rarity of noncitizens attempting to register to vote. She pointed out that a modernization project by the Wyoming Department of Transportation (YDOT), set to launch in early 2025, would allow county clerks to access real-time data on voter citizenship and residency status. This system aims to streamline the verification process without necessitating changes to current ID designs.
Langford expressed optimism about the modernization project, stating it would enhance the ability to verify voter eligibility at polling places. "This will allow us to troubleshoot a solution prior to the 2026 election cycle," she said, reinforcing the importance of ensuring that only Wyoming citizens participate in elections.
The discussions underscored a commitment to improving election integrity in Wyoming, with both the Secretary of State's office and county clerks working collaboratively to implement effective measures ahead of future elections. The anticipated changes aim to bolster voter confidence and ensure compliance with state laws regarding voter eligibility.
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