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Wyoming2026Did Not Pass

HB0048

Pen and Paper Ballots Act

Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 2:25 AM

In one sentence

This act requires counties in Wyoming to use pen and paper ballots for voting as the default method, with exceptions for electronic ballot marking devices for voters with disabilities.

What it does

  • Requires each county to provide paper ballots and pens as the default method for marking ballots during elections.
  • Allows electronic ballot marking devices for voters with disabilities but does not authorize their use as the main way to mark ballots.

Who it affects

  • Counties in Wyoming
  • Voters with disabilities

Limits and unknowns

  • The bill did not pass in the session.
  • It does not specify how counties will transition to using pen and paper ballots if they currently use other methods.
  • There are no details on funding for implementing this change.

Plain language

Terms to know

Disability
A condition defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and its amendments.
Electronic ballot marking device
An electronic tool that assists voters in marking their ballots, including touch screen devices that produce paper ballots.

Official record

Sources

Validated

Public statements

Why lawmakers voted

Last checked Aug 2, 1:27 AM

Gary Brown

R · H41

Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker argues that hand-marked paper ballots are the gold standard for election integrity because they cannot be altered digitally without physical access and provide a durable record voters can verify directly.

Public statementFloor statement at 2:06:20 Watch the statement

Nina Webber

R · H24

Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker supports the bill to ensure election security and guarantee that every vote is valid by requiring absentee ballots be returned only via mail or hand delivery.

Public statementFloor statement at 2:12:07 Watch the statement

J.T. Larson

R · H17

Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the bill because it negatively affects shift workers, such as miners who cannot leave their underground work to vote during the day.

Public statementFloor statement at 2:12:47 Watch the statement

If a lawmaker is not listed, we couldn't find a published reason.

Wyoming roll calls

Recorded votes

1 roll call

Official activity

Bill history

  1. H Failed Introduction 38-24-0-0-0House
  2. H Received for IntroductionHouse
  3. Bill Number AssignedLSO