Wyo. Code R. 002-0005-30
Effective Date: 06/29/2022 to 10/21/2022
Rule Type: Expired Emergency Rules & Regulations
Reference Number: 002.0005.30.06292022
Early Processing of Absentee Ballots Emergency rules are in effect no longer than 120 days after filing with the Registrar of Rules
Section 1. Authority. These rules are authorized by W.S. 22-9-125(d)(vi).
(a) When a county clerk elects to prepare and process absentee ballots the Thursday or Friday immediately preceding election day under W.S. 22-9-125(d), the county clerk shall:
(i) Provide notice of the date, time and place that absentee ballot preparation and processing will occur to the secretary of state, and the chairman of each political party. The notice shall occur in writing or electronically by email and shall be given at least two (2) days prior to the date(s) the county clerk intends to prepare or process absentee ballots;
(ii) Require all observers and election judges to complete a form attesting they are not a candidate, candidate’s committee chairperson or treasurer before observing preparation and processing;
(iii) Accommodate public viewing of the early processing of absentee ballots. The county clerk shall not be required to make special accommodations or seek a larger venue than that is used for the processing of absentee ballots on election day; and
(iv) Designate an absentee ballot preparation and processing area. Observers shall remain at least ten (10) feet away from this area while absentee ballots are being processed.
(b) Election judges appointed for the purpose of the early processing and preparation of absentee ballots shall not allow the votes cast on a particular ballot to be readily viewable by any observer.
(c) Observers of the early processing and preparation of absentee ballots shall:
(i) Conduct themselves in a professional manner and address all questions to an election judge;
(ii) Not interfere with the processing of absentee ballots;
(iii) Not handle any ballots or election materials;
(iv) Not ascertain the votes cast on any ballot;
(v) Wear an official badge at all times while in the processing area; and
(vi) Not take pictures, record video or audio or use any personal electronic device (PED), except a device for medical necessity, within ten (10) feet of the absentee ballot preparation and processing area. As used in this section, “Person Electronic Device,” means any device capable of capturing, communicating, transmitting, receiving or recording messages, images, audio, data or other information, including but not limited to a computer, tablet, cellphone, camera or Bluetooth device.
(d) Election judges appointed for the early processing and preparation of absentee ballots shall:
(i) Not have in their possession any PED, except a device for medical necessity, within ten (10) feet of the area where the preparation and processing is occurring;
(ii) Wear an official badge at all times while in the ballot processing area or while observing the early preparation or processing of absentee ballots; and
(iii) Not discuss or release in any manner, any information related to the results of the election.