Wyoming2026Did Not Pass

HB0054

Requirements for Independent Candidates in Elections

Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 2:25 AM

In one sentence

This act changes rules for independent candidates running in elections, requiring them to swear they are not affiliated with any political party and increasing the number of signatures needed on their petitions.

What it does

Requires independent candidates to sign a statement saying they are unaffiliated or not registered with any major or minor political party.
Increases the number of voter signatures required for an independent candidate's petition from two percent to five percent of votes cast in the last general election, based on statewide, countywide, and district levels.
Changes the deadline for filing a petition as an independent candidate from 70 days before the primary election to 81 days before the general election.

Who it affects

Independent candidates running for partisan public offices in Wyoming.

Limits and unknowns

The bill did not pass and was not enacted into law.
It is unclear how many independent candidates would be affected by these changes.

Plain language

Terms to know

Partisan: Relating to a political party or parties.
Petition: A document signed by voters supporting an independent candidate's nomination for office.

Official record

Sources

Validated

Official bill page Introduced text Official digest Current bill text Stored full record

Public statements

Why lawmakers voted

Last checked Aug 2, 1:27 AM

Steve Johnson

R · H08

Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker supports the bill because it ensures independent candidates are truly unaffiliated with parties and have genuine grassroots support. He also argues that moving filing dates earlier gives officials more time to verify petitions.

Public statementFloor statement at 2:37:35 Watch the statement

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

Wyoming roll calls

Recorded votes

1 roll call

H Failed Introduction 32-30-0-0-02026-02-09 · House32 yes 30 no

Yes: 32
No: 30
Absent: 0
Excused: 0
Conflict: 0

Official activity

Bill history

2026-02-09H Failed Introduction 32-30-0-0-0House
2026-01-22H Received for IntroductionHouse
2026-01-20Bill Number AssignedLSO