Should Wyoming Scrap Mail-In Voting and Machines? Here’s the Debate

Wyoming’s elections could look very different in the near future if Secretary of State Chuck Gray gets his way.

Gray is backing new legislation that would eliminate mail-in ballots and voting machines across the state, pushing instead for old-school pen-and-paper ballots. His plan mirrors President Donald Trump’s recent call to end both voting options, citing fears of fraud.

“I’m in complete and total support of President Trump’s statement this morning on election integrity,” Gray said in a statement last week.

He explained that he’s already pitched a bill requiring paper ballots as the default in Wyoming elections, which the Legislature will consider in its 2026 session.

But not everyone agrees that these changes are needed. Laramie County Clerk Debra Lee says Wyoming’s current mail-in system is already safe and tightly monitored.

“Mail-in ballots are only sent to people who request them,” Lee told Townsquare Media. “They’re tracked closely, and voters sign an affidavit before submitting.”

She added that voting by mail is actually growing in popularity. In 2024, 26% of Laramie County voters cast their ballots by mail.

National experts back her up. The Center for Election Innovation and Research says fears about widespread fraud are unfounded:

“Voting by mail is not only safe and secure, it’s an integral component of keeping our elections secure and accessible. And it already has a long history of success.”

So, what do you think? Should Wyoming go back to paper-only ballots and ditch voting machines and mail-in options? Take our poll and share your opinion.

The original story by Doug Randall for KGAB AM 650.