ESPC Seeks Court Injunction to Stop Voter Citizenship Law Enforcement

Key Takeaways

• ESPC filed lawsuit May 9, 2025, challenging Wyoming HB 156 on citizenship and residency voting requirements.
• On June 2, 2025, ESPC requested immediate federal injunction to stop HB 156 before July 1 enforcement.
• HB 156 demands proof of U.S. citizenship, 30-day Wyoming residency, and bans non-citizen documents for voting.

The Equality State Policy Center (ESPC) has taken a major step in its legal fight against Wyoming House Bill 156, a new law that sets stricter rules for proving citizenship and residency before someone can vote in Wyoming. On June 2, 2025, the ESPC asked a federal judge to stop the law from being enforced right away. This urgent request comes just weeks before the law is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and marks a turning point in a legal battle that could shape voting rights in Wyoming and possibly beyond.

What Is Wyoming House Bill 156 and Why Is It Controversial?

Wyoming House Bill 156, often called HB 156, is a new law passed by the Wyoming Legislature that adds extra steps for people who want to register to vote. The law requires:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote
• Proof of at least 30 days of Wyoming residency
• A ban on using any document that shows non-U.S. citizenship for voter registration

These new rules go further than the old law, which already made voters show identification and swear, under penalty of perjury (which means lying could lead to jail or fines), that they are U.S. citizens living in Wyoming.

Supporters of HB 156 say these steps are needed to keep elections safe and make sure only citizens vote. But critics, including the ESPC, argue that the law will make it much harder for many eligible voters to register, especially those who may not have easy access to the required documents.

Who Is Challenging the Law and Why?

The Equality State Policy Center (ESPC), a nonprofit group focused on government transparency and civil rights, filed a lawsuit on May 9, 2025, to stop HB 156. The ESPC says the law breaks both state and federal rules and could take away the right to vote from many people who are legally allowed to vote.

The ESPC’s main arguments are:

• The law is unconstitutional because it puts too many obstacles in the way of people who want to vote.
• The law is too vague, meaning it’s not clear what documents are acceptable, which could confuse voters and election officials.
• There is no evidence of non-citizen voting or widespread fraud in Wyoming, so the new restrictions are not needed.

The ESPC’s lawsuit asks the court to:

1. Declare HB 156 unconstitutional
2. Stop the Wyoming Secretary of State and county clerks from enforcing the law

Why Did the Governor Let the Law Pass Without Signing It?

Governor Mark Gordon allowed HB 156 to become law without his signature. In his statement, he said he had “significant legal concerns” about the bill. He pointed out that the law might not fit with the Wyoming Constitution or federal law. Governor Gordon also worried that the new residency rule could keep lawful voters from casting their ballots. He reminded everyone that Wyoming already has a strong record of secure and fair elections.

What Are the Main Requirements of HB 156?

The law’s main requirements are:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship: People must show documents like a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers to prove they are citizens.
• Proof of at least 30 days of Wyoming residency: New voters must show they have lived in Wyoming for at least a month before registering.
• No use of non-citizen documents: Any document that shows someone is not a U.S. citizen cannot be used to register to vote.

These rules are stricter than before and could make it harder for some people to register, even if they are eligible.

Who Could Be Most Affected by the New Law?

The ESPC’s complaint highlights several groups who might have trouble meeting the new requirements:

• Women who changed their names after marriage or divorce: Their current name might not match their birth certificate or passport.
• Transgender people who have changed their names: They may have documents with different names.
• Hispanic voters: Some may have trouble getting the right documents, even if they are citizens.
• People without stable housing: They may not have proof of a fixed address.
• People who were adopted or in foster care: They might not have easy access to birth certificates or other documents.
• People with disabilities who cannot drive: They may not have a driver’s license or other common ID.
• Young voters: Many may not have the required documents yet.
• People in rural areas: Offices that issue IDs may have limited hours, making it harder to get documents.

These groups could face extra hurdles, even though they have the right to vote.

What Are the Legal Arguments Against HB 156?

The ESPC, represented by attorney Darold W. Killmer from Killmer Lane LLP in Denver, argues that HB 156:

• Puts an unfair burden on the right to vote: The law adds extra steps that could stop eligible voters from registering.
• Is too vague: It’s not clear what documents are acceptable, which could lead to confusion and mistakes.
• Violates the U.S. Constitution: The right to vote is protected by the Constitution, and laws that make it too hard to vote can be struck down by the courts.

The lawsuit asks the federal court to stop the law from being enforced and to declare it unconstitutional.

What Do the Officials Say?

ESPC Executive Director Jenny DeSarro said, “Wyoming has a proud tradition of fair and secure elections, and there is no evidence of non-citizen voting or widespread fraud to justify the harsh new restrictions in HB 156. This unnecessary law creates significant barriers that will prevent eligible citizens from exercising their constitutional right to vote, particularly young voters, women who changed their names when they married, low-income voters, and Hispanic voters.”

Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray disagrees strongly. He said, “We will fight this lawsuit and the false claims in it. And we will win.” Secretary Gray has promised to defend the law and make sure it is enforced.

Governor Mark Gordon allowed the bill to become law but did not sign it. He raised concerns about whether the law fits with the state and federal constitutions and pointed out Wyoming’s strong record of secure elections.

What Happened on June 2, 2025?

On June 2, 2025, the ESPC asked a federal judge to issue an injunction—a court order that would stop the law from being enforced right away. This is a big step because the law is set to start on July 1, 2025. If the judge grants the injunction, the law will not go into effect while the lawsuit continues. If the judge denies the request, the law could start as planned, and some voters might be blocked from registering.

How Does This Fit Into the National Picture?

Wyoming’s fight over HB 156 is part of a bigger national debate about voting rights and citizenship requirements. In April 2025, a federal court told the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to stop carrying out a presidential order that would have required proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections. This ruling could affect the Wyoming case, since both deal with similar issues about who can vote and what proof is needed.

Across the United States 🇺🇸, several states have tried to add new proof-of-citizenship rules for voting. Supporters say these rules are needed to stop non-citizens from voting. Opponents say there is little evidence of non-citizen voting and that these laws mostly make it harder for eligible voters to register, especially people who already face challenges getting documents.

What Happens Next in the Legal Process?

With the ESPC’s request for an immediate injunction, the federal court must decide whether to block the law before July 1, 2025. Here’s what could happen:

• If the judge grants the injunction: HB 156 will not be enforced while the lawsuit goes forward. The court will then hear more arguments and decide if the law is constitutional.
• If the judge denies the injunction: The law will take effect as planned, and some voters may be blocked from registering. The lawsuit will still continue, but the law will be in place unless the court later decides to strike it down.

Both sides will present their arguments in court. The outcome could affect not just Wyoming, but also other states considering similar laws.

What Are the Broader Implications for Voters and Immigrants?

The outcome of this case could have a big impact on voting rights in Wyoming and possibly set an example for other states. If the court blocks the law, it could make it harder for other states to pass similar rules. If the law is allowed to stand, other states might try to pass their own versions.

For immigrants and people who have gone through the immigration process, the law’s focus on citizenship documents is especially important. Many immigrants who become U.S. citizens may not have easy access to all their documents, especially if they changed their names or have lost paperwork over the years. The law could also affect people who were born in the United States 🇺🇸 but have trouble getting their birth certificates or other proof.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, strict proof-of-citizenship laws can create real barriers for people who are already citizens but may not have the right paperwork on hand. This can include naturalized citizens, people who moved often, or those who have changed their names.

What Documents Are Usually Needed to Prove Citizenship?

Under HB 156, voters may need to show one or more of the following:

• U.S. passport
• Birth certificate
• Certificate of naturalization (for people who became citizens after immigrating)
• Certificate of citizenship

For more details on acceptable documents for voter registration, readers can visit the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Elections Division.

If you need to replace a lost or damaged citizenship document, you may need to fill out a government form. For example, to replace a Certificate of Naturalization, you would use Form N-565 from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

What Should Voters Do Now?

If you live in Wyoming and want to register to vote, it’s important to:

• Check what documents you have: Make sure you have a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or other proof of citizenship.
• Gather proof of residency: You may need a lease, utility bill, or other document showing you’ve lived in Wyoming for at least 30 days.
• Contact your county clerk: Ask what documents are needed and how to get help if you’re missing something.
• Watch for updates: The court could decide to block the law, so keep an eye on news from the ESPC, the Secretary of State, or local news outlets.

If you have trouble getting documents, reach out to local advocacy groups or legal aid organizations. They may be able to help you get the paperwork you need.

What Are the Main Arguments on Each Side?

Supporters of HB 156 say:

• The law is needed to keep elections safe and make sure only citizens vote.
• Proof of citizenship is a reasonable requirement.
• The law will help prevent fraud.

Opponents, including the ESPC, argue:

• There is no evidence of non-citizen voting in Wyoming.
• The law will block many eligible voters, especially those who have trouble getting documents.
• The law is too vague and could lead to mistakes or unfair treatment.

What Could Happen in the Future?

The court’s decision on the ESPC’s request for an injunction will be the first big test for HB 156. If the law is blocked, it could slow down or stop similar laws in other states. If the law is allowed to take effect, it could encourage other states to pass their own versions.

The legal fight could go on for months or even years, with possible appeals to higher courts. Lawmakers in Wyoming and other states will be watching closely to see what happens.

Takeaways and Next Steps

• Wyoming House Bill 156 adds strict new rules for proving citizenship and residency before voting.
• The ESPC is challenging the law in federal court, saying it is unconstitutional and will block eligible voters.
• The court will soon decide whether to stop the law from being enforced before it takes effect on July 1, 2025.
• The outcome could affect voting rights in Wyoming and set an example for other states.
• Voters should check their documents now and watch for updates from the court.

For more information about voting requirements and citizenship documents, visit the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Elections Division. If you need to replace a citizenship document, you can find Form N-565 on the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

As this case moves forward, it will be important for all Wyoming voters—and anyone interested in voting rights across the United States 🇺🇸—to stay informed and prepared.

Learn Today

Equality State Policy Center (ESPC) → Nonprofit advocating civil rights and government transparency in Wyoming focusing on voting rights.
Injunction → A court order that stops a law or action from being enforced or carried out temporarily.
Proof of Citizenship → Official documents like passports or birth certificates used to verify U.S. citizenship status for voting.
Voter Registration → The process by which eligible citizens enroll to vote in elections, often requiring specific documentation.
Naturalization → The legal process for a non-citizen to become a U.S. citizen with full rights, including voting.

This Article in a Nutshell

The ESPC challenged Wyoming’s HB 156, stricter voting rules starting July 1, 2025. They seek to block its enforcement immediately, citing constitutional issues and barriers for eligible voters including young and marginalized groups.
— By VisaVerge.com