Wyo. Code R. 002-0005-19
Effective Date: 12/15/2009 to 10/31/2011
Rule Type: Superceded Rules & Regulations
Reference Number: 002.0005.19.12152009
Rules for Write-In Votes
The Secretary of State, pursuant to W.S. 22-2-121, is authorized to promulgate such rules as are necessary to maintain uniform voting and vote counting procedures and orderly voting and to comply with the requirements of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA), Public Law 107-252.
These rules are promulgated to establish procedures for the counting of write-in votes and notifying successful candidates.
These rules apply to all local election officials with responsibilities as designated in W.S. 22-8-101, et seq.
(a) To constitute a valid write-in vote:
(A) The oval next to the write-in line must be filled;
(B) The name must be written on the line provided; and
(C) Stickers with preprinted names cannot be used on a ballot.
(A) The proper square next to the write-in line must be selected;
(B) Using the keyboard, the name must be typed on the line provided. The names of write-in candidates will appear on the voter verifiable paper audit trail, the unofficial results print out, and the printed ballot images as they were typed by the voter.
(A) The proper oval next to the write-in line must be selected.
(B) Using the keyboard, the name must be typed on the line provided. The names of write-in candidates will appear on the ballot as they were typed by the voter.
(b) The canvass board shall have sole discretion over what write-in names should be grouped and counted.
(c) If it appears from the summary of votes that one office has enough write-in votes to affect the outcome of the election, then the write-in votes and write-in names must be verified by the county canvassing board.
(d) If directed by the Secretary of State, all write-in vote totals and all write-in names must be reported to the Secretary of State for any designated statewide or legislative race.
(e) The top qualified write-in for precinct committeemen or women will be duly elected. Casting of lots may be used if necessary to break a tie.
(a) The Canvassing Board shall determine if the municipal write-in has received at least three votes. The Canvassing Board shall then determine if the write-in candidate is a qualified voter residing in that municipality and ward, if applicable. The Canvassing Board shall determine the write-in candidate(s) that received the most votes based on the number of offices up for election. If there is a tie, lots shall be cast by the Canvassing Board and the winner shall be notified as required in W.S. 22-16-106 (b).
(b) A copy of all eligible write-in candidates as set forth in the County Canvass shall be forwarded to the municipal clerk. Should the candidate with the most write-in votes not accept the nomination, the municipal clerk shall notify the next highest vote getter on the list.
(c) All nominations for the General Ballot must be submitted to the County Clerk not less than 60 days prior to the general election as provided in 22-23-308 (c).