Wyoming voters now have a shorter window to cast their ballots before election day. The state’s new law has reduced the in-person and mail-in absentee voting period from 45 days to 28 days before an election.

Affect on Voters

This change affects all voters, but it especially impacts those who rely on the mail to send or return their ballots. According to the U.S. Postal Service, voters should allow seven days for a ballot to arrive by mail and another seven days to mail it back.

For the August 18 primary election, voters can visit their county clerk’s office during regular business hours starting July 21 to cast a ballot in person. The window closes on August 17, the day before the primary. Military and overseas voters still have a 45-day window to cast their ballots.

Rules for Voting

To ensure their ballots are counted, voters must follow the rules for filling out and returning their ballots. The ballot should be marked using a black ink pen, and the voter must sign and date the back of the ballot envelope. Any ballots received after the deadline will be rejected.

Voters who are concerned about the timing can skip the mail entirely and opt for early in-person voting. This option is open to all registered voters for the full 28-day window, with no need to wait for anything to arrive by mail or go back out by mail afterward.

Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.