Catch Title: Elections-acceptable identification revisions

Sponsor: Joint Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions Interim Committee

Effective Date: Effective immediately upon completion of all acts necessary for a bill to become law

Bill: https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/SF0029

Overview This bill amends the definition of “acceptable identification” for voter identification purposes in Wyoming . It imposes stricter requirements for IDs used in person immediately before voting, mandating that they be unexpired, in their original issued form, and inclusive of a photograph . Most notably, the bill repeals the use of school identification cards, Medicaid insurance cards, and Medicare insurance cards as valid forms of voter ID .

Key Provisions

• Repeal of Specific Identifications:Removes school identification cards, Medicaid insurance cards, and Medicare insurance cards from the list of acceptable voter identification .
• “Original Form” Requirement:Mandates that any presented identification must be in the “original form in which it was issued” .
• Mandatory Photograph:Requires that all forms of acceptable identification include a photograph of the person .
• Expiration Status:Identification must not be expired at the time of use .
• Functional Scope:Focuses specifically on voter identification provided immediately before voting at a polling place or absentee polling place .

Implications

• Accelerated Sunset of IDs:These forms of identification were already scheduled to sunset on December 31, 2029; this bill moves the deadline to the immediate present without substantiated impact data on the number of residents currently relying on them .
• Voter Participation Risk:By eliminating school and federal insurance cards (Medicare/Medicaid), the bill may prevent an unknown number of eligible students and seniors from participating in elections if they do not possess alternative photo ID.
• Prohibition of Digital and Photocopies:The “original form” requirement explicitly prohibits the use of digital versions (electronic forms) or photocopies of state-issued IDs, though the specific security risk necessitating this change has not been publicly detailed .
• Barriers for Vulnerable Populations:Although Wyoming provides a “no cost” ID for voting to comply with the prohibition of poll taxes, voters must find transportation to a DMV office. These offices are rarely in central areas served by public transportation, creating a physical barrier for low-income or transient voters.
• Missed Outreach Opportunity:Stakeholders note that if these forms remained valid through the 2026 cycle, data could have been captured to target outreach projects helping affected voters obtain alternative IDs before the 2028 elections.