In a major victory for election integrity and common sense, Wyoming has become the first state in the nation to require voters to prove their U.S. citizenship before casting a ballot — and despite the predictable left-wing backlash, a federal judge and President Trump’s Department of Justice just gave the law their full stamp of approval.
The law, passed in March 2025 and in effect since July, is straightforward: to vote in Wyoming, you must show proof that you’re a U.S. citizen and have lived in the state for at least 30 days. In an era where blue states and liberal judges have normalized non-citizens voting in local elections, Wyoming is drawing a firm line in the sand — and Americans across the country are taking notice.
Trump DOJ stands strong for election security
The Trump administration’s Department of Justice wasted no time siding with Wyoming in court after the law was challenged by left-wing activists hoping to gut it. In a July 1 press release, the DOJ filed a Statement of Interest in the case, emphasizing that Wyoming’s law is fully legal and rooted in longstanding Supreme Court precedent.
“States have a significant interest in preventing fraud and safeguarding voter confidence,” the DOJ stated. “Wyoming’s documentary proof of citizenship law is a mechanism to enforce laws that prohibit non-citizen voting.”
Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michael Gates put it even more bluntly: “It is a crime for non-citizens to vote in federal elections, and it is important that the American people have confidence in the integrity of our elections. Requiring documentary proof of citizenship is common sense.”
Obama-appointed judge sides with Wyoming
Even a federal judge appointed by former President Barack Obama couldn’t find fault with the law. On July 22, U.S. District Judge Scott Skavdahl dismissed the lawsuit, stating that the plaintiffs — liberal organizations claiming the law was harmful — couldn’t prove they were personally impacted.
“Plaintiff has not adequately demonstrated its standing,” Skavdahl wrote in his decision, effectively ending the case and clearing the path for the law to remain in force.
GOP leaders lead the way
While Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon allowed the bill to pass without his signature — calling the 30-day residency requirement “arbitrary” — Secretary of State Chuck Gray was unequivocal in his support.
“Only United States citizens and Wyomingites should be voting in Wyoming elections,” Gray said, praising the law as a direct way to support President Trump’s push to secure our elections.
Setting the tone for 2026 and beyond
This win couldn’t come at a more critical time. With President Trump’s DOJ also taking on sanctuary cities like New York for harboring illegal immigrants, the left’s open-border, open-vote agenda is being challenged head-on. Wyoming’s law now serves as a model for other red states to follow — and it may inspire a broader national push for real voter ID and proof-of-citizenship laws.
In a country where confidence in our elections has been dangerously eroded, one state just reminded the nation what secure, citizen-led voting looks like.
And for those still trying to argue that requiring proof of citizenship is “controversial”? That says more about their priorities than it does about the law. Wyoming put America First — and the courts agreed.
