Wyoming Regulations § 19-4 Valid Write-In Votes
Regulation Text
(a)
To constitute a valid write-in vote:
(i)
Optical Scan Machines
(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.
(ii)
Direct Record Machines
(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 shall appear on the voter verifiable paper audit trail, the unofficial results printout, and the printed ballot images as typed by the voter.
(iii)
AutoMARK
(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 shall appear on the ballot as typed by the voter.
(b)
The Canvassing 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 shall be reported to the Secretary of State for any designated statewide or legislative race.
(e)
The top qualified write-in for any office other than precinct committeeman or committeewoman shall be nominated or elected. Casting of lots may be used if necessary to break a tie.
(f)
Casting of lots means any method a Canvassing Board uses to break a tie, including, but not limited to, placing names in a container and drawing a name for the winner.
(g)
Any person may request to have the votes cast for any one write-in candidate for one specific race, or for all write-in candidates for one specific race, whose votes did not affect the election, counted by:
(i)
Filing a request with the appropriate election office; and
(ii)
Paying an administrative fee of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00). The applicant shall be liable for any cost to count the votes up to a maximum of the fee paid. The County Clerk shall issue a complete accounting of all costs of counting the requested write-in votes and shall refund any surplus to the requestor.
(iii)
The administrative fee shall be paid:
(A)
To the County Clerk's Office for any one county or municipal race with write-in candidates;
(B)
To each appropriate County Clerk's Office within a legislative district for any one (1) legislative race with votes for write-in candidates cast in the county; or
(C)
To each appropriate County Clerk's Office for any one (1) statewide race with votes for write-in candidates cast in that county.
History
Amended, Eff. 8/9/2018 .