House advances bill requiring photo ID to vote in person, eliminates Medicaid/Medicare cards as proof

The House Committee of the Whole recommended passage of House Bill 206, a measure that would require a photograph on any identification used to prove identity for in‑person voting in Wyoming and would remove Medicare and Medicaid cards from the list of acceptable IDs.

Representative Weber, the bill sponsor, said the change aligns voter‑ID requirements with everyday identity checks (air travel, prescription pickup, banking) and that Wyoming identification cards are free and readily available. “A photograph is required and accepted ID,” Weber said, and he noted county clerks told him they had seen few if any voters using Medicaid or Medicare cards at polling places.

Opponents said removing Medicare/Medicaid cards could create barriers for non‑drivers, elderly voters and people who cannot easily travel to obtain a state ID. Representative Jarvis and Representative Vien urged caution, pointing out that many seniors receive Medicare cards by mail and might face transportation barriers to obtain a photo ID. Supporters replied that the state’s Wyoming ID program was specifically created as a non‑driver photo ID with security features and that local outreach could help recentralize access.

Committee action: HB206 was recommended do pass by the Committee of the Whole after adoption of a standing committee amendment; the floor record shows the bill advancing with a voice vote. Supporters asked clerks and county officials to implement outreach to help seniors obtain Wyoming IDs if the bill proceeds.

Next steps: The bill will proceed to second reading; county clerks and the Department of Motor Vehicles would be the primary agencies involved in outreach and issuance if the law is enacted.