It’s common sense: only American citizens should vote in American elections.
That’s why I proudly sponsored House Bill 156, a landmark piece of legislation that makes Wyoming the first state in the nation to require real, verifiable proof of citizenship in order to register to vote.
A top priority of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, HB 156 passed with veto-proof majorities in both chambers of the Legislature.
Unfortunately, not everyone shares our values. Radical left-wing attorney Marc Elias, the infamous D.C. operative who has made a career out of engaging in lawfare, is now suing Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray to try to block this law.
The phony lawsuit represents an increasing threat to conservative policy in Wyoming: abuse of the judicial system to sidestep conservative laws passed by the Wyoming Legislature.
It’s the same tactic being used by Democrats nationwide to halt President Trump’s MAGA agenda.
The plaintiff’s attacks are as dishonest as they are predictable. They claim this law will "suppress" voters.
But showing proof of citizenship — like a birth certificate or passport — is a simple step that Americans take in many areas of life, from getting a driver’s license to applying for a job. If you have to show ID to board a plane or buy cold medicine, why shouldn’t you prove citizenship to vote?
This lawsuit is revealing. When radical left-wing activists from Washington, D.C., backed by millions in dark money and parroting the talking points of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, are trying to overturn our common sense law, we know we’re over the target.
The fight to protect our elections is about standing up for the principle that American elections are for American citizens — period.
And it’s about resisting the elite political class that wants to keep the door open to noncitizen voting in the name of "equity."
If you're a Wyoming leftist that is complaining about conservatives spending money to protect these common sense laws, quit supporting those who engage in this lawfare and the costs will go down immediately.
We will not back down. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to pass HB 156, and I’m grateful for Secretary Gray’s leadership in defending it. Wyoming has once again taken the lead in securing our elections, and I’m confident we’ll win this fight.
When the radical left attacks you, it’s because you’re doing something right. Let’s keep going.
John Bear represents House District 31 in Gillette
