Federal Judge Tosses Challenge to Wyoming Voter ID Law, Secretary of State Calls It a “Big Win”

On Tuesday, US District Court Judge Scott Skavdahl dismissed a federal lawsuit challenging Wyoming House Bill 156 — a new law requiring proof of US citizenship and Wyoming residency (minimum 30 days) to register to vote.

The lawsuit was filed by the Equality State Policy Center, a Wyoming-based progressive think tank, and backed by Democratic attorney Marc Elias of the Elias Law Group.

Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray, a vocal supporter of HB 156, defended the law as a necessary step to protect election integrity.

Judge Skavdahl ruled that the plaintiffs lacked Article III standing — meaning they failed to prove that anyone was directly harmed by the law. The court considered the case hypothetical and dismissed it without prejudice, leaving the door open for future legal challenges with stronger standing.

Secretary Gray called the ruling “a huge win for the people of Wyoming”, praising HB 156 as a common-sense, conservative measure that ensures only eligible citizens vote in Wyoming elections.

He criticized the lawsuit as a political move by the “radical Left” to undermine voter integrity and thanked the Trump administration for its support.

Marc Elias and the Equality State Policy Center argued that the law imposes unnecessary burdens on eligible voters — particularly women, Hispanic, young, and low-income residents — who may struggle to obtain the required documentation.

House Bill 156 mandates that all new voter registrants must provide:

• Proof of US citizenship
• Proof of at least 30 days of Wyoming residency

The bill passed without Governor Mark Gordon’s signature.

With input from Jackson Hole News & Guide, KNEB, and Bigfoot99 Radio.