Wyoming signature requirements
From Ballotpedia
Wyoming's signature requirements are based on the number of total votes cast in the previous general election. Initiated state statutes are allowed; initiated constitutional amendments are not. There are geographic distribution requirements for signatures as well.
The filing deadline to turn in signatures to qualify an initiated statute for the November 2010 ballot is February 8, 2010.
Since the signature requirement in Wyoming is based on the total vote cast in the state's most recent general election, and since these are held every two years, the Wyoming requirement changes every two years, unlike in most I&R states where the number of signatures required is based on gubernatorial votes which are almost always held every four years. Also as a result of Wyoming's atypical way of setting its signature requirements, the number of signatures swings significantly every two years due to the fact that voter turnout in presidential years is generally much higher than in general election years without a presidential vote.
| Year | Votes cast in most recent general election | Initiated statute | Veto referendum |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 256,035 | 38,406 | 38,406 |
| 2008 | 196,217 | 29,433 | 29,433 |
| 2006 | 245,789 | 36,899 | 36,899 |
| 2004 | 188,028 | 28,204 | 28,204 |
Basis for calculation
- The state of Wyoming requires that signatures for an initiated state statute or a veto referendum equal 15% of the total ballots cast in the previous general election. The 15% requirement is the highest of any state--even for initiated constitutional amendments which are not allowed in Wyoming, no state requires signatures equalling 15%.
- Initiated constitutional amendments are not permitted in Wyoming.
Distribution requirement
- Main article: Distribution requirement
- 15% of qualified voters in 2/3rds of the state's 23 counties must sign, according to Wyoming Amendment B (1998). Wyoming Constitutional Amendment B (2008) sought unsuccessfully to amend that 1998 law.
See also
External links
- Signature requirements from the Wyoming Secretary of State
- NCSL signature chart for 2008
- Wyoming signature requirements collated by the Citizens in Charge Foundation
- Wyoming's I&R process document (prepared by the Wyoming Secretary of State and revised in January 2009)
- Total ballots cast in 2008
- Total ballots cast in 2006
- Total ballots cast in 2004
- Total ballots cast in 2002
