Voter Registration in Wyoming
You must register to vote in Wyoming if you intend to take part in any election. However, unlike many states, Wyoming does not have a deadline in which registration must be completed, as you can register in person on Election Day before casting your ballot if you prefer to do so. In order to complete voter registration, you must meet eligibility requirements that have been set by the state. Therefore, it is important to learn about these requirements before attempting to register in order to verify whether or not you are eligible to vote.
A voter registration card will be mailed to you after you have completed your registration. This card contains information about you, including your name, address and party affiliation. It will also provide you with your polling location, which is based upon the county that you currently reside in. To vote, you must report to your polling location or you may be unable to cast your ballot.
Who can register to vote in Wyoming?
Before learning how to register to vote in Wyoming, it is important to learn about the eligibility requirements that you must meet before you can cast a ballot on Election Day. In order to be eligible to register, you must:
- Be a citizen of the United States. All non-citizens, including lawful residents, are not eligible to cast a vote.
- Be a resident of Wyoming.
- Be at least 18 years of age by the date of Election Day.
- Not have been declared mentally incompetent by a Wyoming court.
- Have not been convicted of any type of felony or, if you have been convicted of a felony, you must have your voting rights restored.
Wyoming Voter Registration Deadline
You are not required to change your voter registration or register for the first time prior to the election date in Wyoming, though doing so can save you time at the polls. While most states do have registration deadlines, the state of Wyoming allows eligible voters to register in person on Election Day at his or her local polling place.
How to Register to Vote in Wyoming
If you are not sure whether you have already registered to vote or not, it is recommended that you review registration requirements. You will need to register if you:
- Have never registered in Wyoming previously.
- If you have changed your address and you are living in a county that is different from the county you originally registered in.
- If you have not previously voted.
Fortunately, completing a voter registration form is a simple task that can be done by mail or in person. However, it is worth knowing that the state of Wyoming is exempt from the federal “Motor Voter” law and registration services are not offered at WY driver license offices.
At this time, online registration is not available in Wyoming. Should you choose to complete registration by mail, you may do so by completing an application and submitting it along with a copy of your photo ID to your local county clerk office. While other county clerk offices will accept your application, it will take longer to process. Mailed-in applications must be received two weeks prior to any election.
You can also register to vote in person by visiting your local county clerk office. Keep in mind that, in order to complete your application, a photo ID will be required. Alternatively, you are also permitted to complete registration at any polling location on Election Day.
Should you need to submit a voter registration change of address or name change, you will be required to contact your local county clerk office.
Early Voting in Wyoming
After completing your voter registration in Wyoming, it is important to know that you will be permitted to vote up to 40 days early if you so choose. This can be done in person at your local county clerk office or by mail.
If you would like to cast a ballot by mail, you will need to contact your local county clerk office and request an absentee ballot. This service is available to any Wyoming resident who is registered and eligible to vote.
Wyoming Voter Registration for Active Duty Military and Out-of-State Residents
You can complete Wyoming voter registration and request an absentee ballot at the same time if you are a military or an overseas voter by completing the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). This is a temporary type of registration that will allow you to vote for one election cycle.
This form can be completed at any point during the calendar year and you can expect to receive your absentee ballot within 45 days prior to an election. Once you receive your absentee ballot, it is important that you complete it and send it back to the county clerk office right away as absentee ballots that are received after the deadline will not be counted.
In order to complete voter registration and request an absentee ballot through the FPCA, you must be:
- A United States citizen currently outside of the U.S due to personal or business travels.
- An active duty member of the Uniformed Services or the Merchant Marine.
- The eligible spouse or family members of an active duty member of the Uniformed Services or Merchant Marines.
Wyoming Voter Registration for Absentee Voting
After you have completed your Wyoming voter registration, it is worth knowing that anyone who is eligible to vote within the state has the ability to cast a ballot by mail or in person prior to the date of the election. This process is referred to as an absentee vote. Unlike many other states, absentee voting is not reserved solely for the disabled or elderly in Wyoming.
Any citizen may submit a ballot in this manner. Absentee votes can be submitted in person or by mail up to 40 days prior to Election Day. For your vote to be counted, your absentee ballot must be received by your local county clerk office no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day.
Voter Registration Cards in Wyoming
If you are wondering where you can vote in Wyoming, it is important to know that this information can be found on your registration card. Your voter registration card will be mailed to you after you have completed registration and it will contain information such as, your name, address, party affiliation and your polling place. Sensitive information such as your Social Security number is not included on the card.
On the other hand, it is worth knowing that these cards are not required when casting your ballot for the election, they are simply proof of your active voter registration and inform you of where you will need to report for voting. If you have lost your voter registration card and are unsure of where your polling place is, contact your county clerk office for a replacement and information about your polling location.
How to Change Your Voter Registration in Wyoming
You will need to change your voter registration address in Wyoming if you move to a residence located in a county that is different from the one that you registered in previously. Additionally, you must also submit a change to your registration after undergoing a legal name change or if you would like to change your party affiliation. You may change your registration at any time by contacting your local county clerk office either by mail or in person.
You will need to present your ID when making a change to your registration. If you need to change your legal name, your drivers license or state identification card must already be updated in order to complete the change on your registration. To complete a name change on your drivers license or ID, you will need to contact your local DMV.
How to Replace a Lost Wyoming Voter Registration Card
After you register to vote or update your registration in Wyoming, you can expect to receive a voter card in the mail within a 30 day period. If you do not receive this card or if you experience a lost, stolen or damaged card, it is worth knowing that you can request another card by contacting the Wyoming Department of Elections. However, the card is not required when you cast your ballot for an election.