To The editor;
As I read about the new voter residency rules proposed by Secretary Gray, I was stunned about the push back from Wyoming's County Clerks. Proof of residency can be accomplished and it has been required in years past.
First and foremost, who could be against a rule change requiring a voter to show proof of residency. All citizens have the right to vote and that right also requires responsibility.
Wyoming law allows a new resident one year to get a Wyoming Driver's license. If a new resident has not yet applied for a Wyoming Driver's license and registers to vote they absolutely should have to show proof of residency.
If you are a student and use your student ID for voting, you should have to show proof of residency and proof of your permanent address.
I realize that every voter signs a form acknowledging they have not/will not vote elsewhere. However do our County Clerks check for proof of accuracy on those signatures. I presume not. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to check for and/or identify voter fraud.
That is the very reason that requiring proof of citizenship, proof of residency and signature matching ( chain of custody) for absentee ballots is so important.
We should ALL support only legal votes. And to meet that requirement we must have rules. I support the proof of residency rule change.
Kristy Vivion Thompson
Casper, Wy
