Appropriations Committee advances bill allowing residential-care employees to deliver absentee ballots with affidavit

The House Appropriations Committee voted to advance House Bill 238 with amendments that would allow employees of residential care facilities to deliver absentee ballots on behalf of residents who have authorized them, provided the employee submits an affidavit on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State.

The amendment, presented by Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray and developed in consultation with county clerks, creates a new subsection (C) that authorizes residential-care employees — including nursing home, assisted living and similar facility staff — to return completed absentee ballots only if the employee files a sworn affidavit stating they were authorized by the elector. The committee adopted the amendment by voice vote and later voted 6-1 to send the bill to the floor with the committee amendment attached; Representative Sherwood cast the lone no vote.

Supporters said the change addresses access problems for qualified electors living in long-term care who lack immediate family or other trusted household members to return ballots.…