Wyoming signature requirements
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Signature requirements
Ballot initiatives
Since the signature requirement in Wyoming is based on the total vote cast in the state's most recent general election, and since these are held every two years, the Wyoming requirement changes every two years, unlike in most I&R states where the number of signatures required is based on gubernatorial votes which are almost always held every four years. As a result of Wyoming's atypical way of setting its signature requirements, the number of signatures swings significantly every two years due to the fact that voter turnout in presidential years is generally much higher than in general election years without a presidential vote.
The state of Wyoming requires that signatures for an initiated state statute or a veto referendum equal 15% of the total ballots cast in the previous general election. The 15% requirement is the highest of any state--even for initiated constitutional amendments which are not allowed in Wyoming, no state requires signatures equaling 15%. Initiated constitutional amendments are not permitted in Wyoming.
| Year | Votes cast in most recent general election | Initiated statute | Veto referendum |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 190,822 | 28,623 | 28,623 |
| 2010 | 256,035 | 38,406 | 38,406 |
| 2008 | 196,217 | 29,433 | 29,433 |
| 2006 | 245,789 | 36,899 | 36,899 |
| 2004 | 188,028 | 28,204 | 28,204 |
Basis for calculation
- In the 2010 general election, a total of 190,822 ballots were cast.[1]
Distribution requirement
- See also: Distribution requirement
- 15% of qualified voters in 2/3rds of the state's 23 counties must sign, according to Wyoming Amendment B (1998).
- Wyoming Initiative Process, Constitutional Amendment B (2008) sought unsuccessfully to amend the 1998 law.
Recall
- See also: Laws governing recall in Wyoming
In Wyoming, recall of elected officials is only available for elected officials of cities and towns that use the commission form of government. In those towns and cities, a recall election is triggered if signatures equalling 25% of all registered electors in the relevant city or town are gathered, submitted, and held to be sufficient by the clerk of the city or town. There is no rule governing how long or short a time is allowed to collect the required number of signatures.
Filing deadlines
2012
The filing deadline to turn in signatures to qualify an initiated statute for the November 2012 ballot is February 13, 2012[2].
2010
The filing deadline to turn in signatures to qualify an initiated statute for the November 2010 ballot is February 8, 2010.
See also
External links
- Signature requirements from the Wyoming Secretary of State
- NCSL signature chart for 2008
- Wyoming signature requirements collated by the Citizens in Charge Foundation
- Wyoming's I&R process document (prepared by the Wyoming Secretary of State and revised in January 2009)
- Total ballots cast in 2008
- Total ballots cast in 2006
- Total ballots cast in 2004
- Total ballots cast in 2002
References
- ↑ Wyoming Secretary of State "2010 Ballots Cast Summary"
- ↑ [Confirmed with WY SOS-Elections Division via phone on January 21, 2011]
