House advances changes to runoff voting, rejects ranked-choice primary

House Bill 249, a measure shifting how runoff contests are handled, drew extended debate in the Wyoming House before members approved two amendments and rejected a third.

The bill, sponsored by Representative Nyman, was the subject of three floor amendments. Representative Sherwood successfully moved Amendment No. 1 to extend the statutory “time off to vote” from one hour to two hours for workers who otherwise have no opportunity during a shift to cast a ballot; the amendment passed on voice vote. Representative Chastick offered Amendment No. 2 to replace the bill’s separate-runoff structure with an instant-runoff (ranked-choice) primary; that amendment failed after floor debate. Representative Geringer’s Amendment No. 3, which clarified that statewide top-ticket offices (governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, state auditor, state superintendent and federal offices) would hold their initial primaries in May while local races would remain on the August primary, passed.

Why it matters: Supporters of the two-hour voting accommodation said the change would reduce voter fatigue and protect turnout where long lines or long travel times make one hour insufficient. Opponents of the instant-runoff amendment argued ranked-choice mechanics risked confusing primary voters and could discard votes if rankings were incomplete. Backers of instant runoff said the system preserves every voter’s preference and reduces negative campaigning.

Key floor exchanges focused on turnout and implementation. Sherwood said the two-hour accommodation reflected modern work patterns and aligned with a majority of other states’ laws. Majority Floor Leader Heine asked why employers should be required to pay for additional time off when polls are typically open 12 hours; Representative Provenza replied the statutory leave applies only when no time outside the shift is available. On the ranked-choice proposal, Representative Chastick argued instant runoff would deliver a single-day majority winner and reduce cost and negativity; Representative Kelly and others countered that ranked choice disenfranchises voters who do not rank multiple candidates or know lower-ticket names.

Formal actions recorded on the floor: Amendment No. 1 (two-hour voting leave) — passed (voice vote: “The ayes have it”). Amendment No. 2 (instant-runoff/ ranked choice) — failed (recorded on the floor as not passed). Amendment No. 3 (clarify May primaries for top-ticket/statewide and federal offices; local in August) — passed (voice vote). After the amendments, the Speaker ordered the bill read a third time.

What remains: The bill was advanced for third reading after the floor votes recorded above. Further procedural steps (third-reading final passage and any post-floor amendments) will determine final enactment.