HB0035

Amends Wyoming election law to establish special elections for filling vacancies in federal and state offices, with time thresholds determining whether vacancies are filled at the next general election or through special elections.

• Establishes that vacancies in U.S. Senate, U.S. House, state legislature, and elected state offices are filled by special election, unless the vacancy occurs within specified time periods before the next general election (six months for federal offices, three months for state legislature and statewide officials, 60 days for governor). (W.S. 22-18-103, W.S. 22-18-105)
• Specifies that special elections for vacancies must occur on the first Tuesday following: 89 days after vacancy for federal offices, 39 days for state legislature and statewide officials, or 29 days for governor, unless that Tuesday is a full legal holiday. (W.S. 22-18-105(b))
• Requires the governor or acting governor to declare a vacancy and issue a writ of election within five days after the vacancy occurs, specifying the election date. (W.S. 22-18-105(d))
• Establishes candidate nomination procedures for special elections, allowing state party central committees to nominate candidates by petition or independent candidates to file applications, with a seven-day filing deadline after vacancy declaration. (W.S. 22-18-106)
• Requires the secretary of state to certify qualified candidates to county clerks within five days after the candidate filing period ends. (W.S. 22-18-107)
• Provides that candidates in special elections must be registered with the party they represent on the date the vacancy occurred, or run as independents if not party-registered. (W.S. 22-18-108)
• Requires county clerks to conduct special elections in the manner of general elections and prepare ballots within twelve days of secretary of state certification. (W.S. 22-18-109)
• Modifies procedures for filling vacancies in legislative offices occurring within 45 days before the first day of a general or budget session, allowing appointment only without a special election. (W.S. 22-18-111(a)(iii))