A federal court on Tuesday dismissed a lawsuit challenging a new Wyoming law that made proof of state residency and U.S. citizenship part of the voter registration process.
The closely watched case had attracted the attention of the Republican National Committee, Trump’s Department of Justice and a coalition of 25 states and Guam, all of which sided with the new law.
Equality State Policy Center, a voting-rights group made up of several nonprofits, filed the lawsuit in May after the Wyoming Legislature passed House Bill 156, “Proof of voter residency-registration qualifications” during the 2025 session.
The lawsuit alleged that the new law is unconstitutionally vague as written and imposes an undue burden on the right to vote — particularly for women as well as Hispanic, young and low-income voters. But the group failed to adequately state a claim against the new law, U.S. District Judge Scott Skavdahl of Wyoming concluded in his ruling.
“The problem for Plaintiff is that while it asserts its members have individual members who are potential Wyoming voters, it has not alleged specific facts that, if taken as true, would show ‘that at least one identified member had suffered or would suffer harm’ from [the law’s] registration requirements,” Skavdahl wrote in the 17-page decision.
“Plaintiff contends that ‘any individual members’ who can register to vote in Wyoming ‘would have standing to challenge the [documentary proof of citizenship] requirement,’” Skavdahl wrote. “That may be accurate, but without making ‘specific allegations establishing that at least one identified member had suffered or would suffer harm,’ Plaintiff has not shown its Article III standing to bring this lawsuit in its representational capacity.”
The court did not consider or comment on the merits of ESPC’s claims, and Skavdahl ruled without prejudice — meaning it’s not a final decision and the group has the option to amend its complaint.
In the meantime, Secretary of State Chuck Gray, who was named as a defendant in his official capacity alongside the state’s 23 county clerks, is hailing the decision as a victory.
“I’m extremely pleased with the court’s ruling granting our motion to dismiss this outrageously wrong lawsuit. This is a huge win for the people of Wyoming,” Gray wrote in a statement to WyoFile. “Marc Elias’ outrageously wrong, radical Left lawsuit has always been an attempt by the radical Left to undermine the common-sense election integrity measures Wyomingites want.”
High-profile attorneys flocked to the lawsuit from the start, including Elias Law Group, the country’s leading voting-rights litigators. Gray sought outside counsel from Dhillon Law Group, which represented President Donald Trump against state-level efforts to remove him from the ballot for his role in inciting the Jan. 6, 2021 riots at the U.S. Capitol.
Rep. John Bear, R-Gillette, who was lead sponsor of the legislation, told WyoFile in a statement he was “grateful” for the decision.
“It is disturbing to me the length that the left will go to in order to ensure that our elections remain vulnerable,” Bear wrote. “No matter how hard the left tries, hypothetical aggrieved mystery plaintiffs do not have standing in American courts.”
A spokesperson for Elias Law Group told WyoFile they will “review our options and keep fighting to make sure that House Bill 156 does not disenfranchise eligible Wyoming voters.”
The self-congratulatory reaction by some might be premature. As real people are confounded by the new unnecessary and burdensome requirements, plaintiffs with standing that passes court review will come forward.
I look forward to a full judicial review of the real suppression problems with HB156.
Reading the comments already made – and did do some replies. Ie – name change due to marriage, adoption, anglicizing, etc that does not match a birth certificate if one was ever provided. And so far – no names that appear female have replied – they are the ones most impacted.
The court got it right. This is a good law that should be nation wide I personally believe. This law is another step to ensure that citizens that have the right to vote do not have their vote diluted by votes cast by those that do not have the right to vote. This should be called the voter protection act.
Does that dilution happen? If so, where and to what extent and how? Sounds like a solution looking for a problem.
That is the question which shall not be answered, because there is extremely scant proof of non citizen votes. But never mind reality.
Hmmm. Now what did I do with my birth certificate?
Only people without a driver’s license would have your concern. Otherwise, any DMV would be able to provide a card valid for voting with proof of US citizenship and residency.
So.. what’s your concern?? Are you not a citizen of the US, or resident of Wyoming? If not.. I understand your concern.
The WY Real ID does not prove US CItizenship – some states do – WY does not.
About 5 years ago I requested, and received 5 certified documents verifying my birth from the county (San Mateo, Ca.) where I was born. I paid $20 to get 5 certified documents of my birth back in 1953. It was easy.. you should do it if you have to wonder where your birth certificate is.
So – you get married and change your last name – then what?
Forgot to add this : “a valid Wyoming driver’s license or identification card which does not contain any indication that the person is not a United States citizen would be acceptable proof of citizenship for purposes of voter registration.” from Joe Rubino – Chief Policy Officer and General Counsel , Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office.