Nonviolent felons who have completed their sentences are now allowed to vote in Wyoming

BY RICHARD JOHNSON

When I was a petitioner for Wyoming NORML, supporting the legalization of marijuana, it really set in how many good people I knew couldn’t vote because they were felons. 

These were the people who donated to countless nonprofits, volunteered at events and ran businesses. It was a shame they couldn’t vote. Granted, some of them didn’t care if they could vote, but others were upset that as adults they couldn’t take part in the process.

Most of them got

their felonies when they were in that 18- to 22-year old range range. Got caught doing dumb shit. Most of it drug possession. 

That’s why I always told then-state Rep. Jim Byrd, D-Cheyenne, that I supported his endeavor in the state House to reinstate voters’ rights to nonviolent felons. 

As much as I preach how the Legislature is made up of head-in-the-sand, single-party clones, the legislation finally passed. I was asked to write this article to shed light on this topic for those who qualify to get their voting rights back.

Here’s the lowdown from the Wyoming Department of Corrections:

Effective July 1, 2017, W.S. §7-13-105 allows individuals convicted, who are first-time nonviolent felons, to automatically have their right to vote restored if they completed their supervision or were discharged from an institution on or after Jan. 1, 2010. Individuals who completed their sentence prior to Jan. 1, 2010, are required to apply for restoration of the right to vote.

Those who discharged from Wyoming Department of Corrections’ custody or supervision prior to Jan. 1, 2010, or those who have a nonviolent felony conviction outside of the state of Wyoming or a nonviolent felony conviction under federal law may apply to have their voting rights restored.

The completed application should be mailed or dropped off at the following address:

            Wyoming Department of Corrections

Attn: Field Services Administrator

1934 Wyott Drive, Suite 100

Cheyenne, WY 82002

A review of the application will take place within 30 days of receipt. Approval or denial will be provided, in writing, to the applicant via mail. For questions regarding who is required to apply for restoration of voting rights you may call the field services representative at (307) 777-6341.

Individuals who discharge from Wyoming Department of Corrections’ custody (this includes Wyoming inmates housed out of state) on or after Jan. 1, 2010, and were convicted in the state of Wyoming, are not required to apply. If you qualify (i.e. first-time non-violent felony), you will receive a signed certificate from the Wyoming Department of Corrections which indicates your voting rights have been restored. 

This certificate will be sent to you via mail at the individual’s last known address. Since restoration of voting rights is automatic, the Secretary of State’s Office and the Clerk of the District Court will be notified that your right to vote was restored.

To ensure you receive your certificate at the correct address, you are responsible for notifying the WDOC of your change in address. Please send a letter notifying WDOC of the change in address to:

WDOC Central Office Records Manager

1934 Wyott Dr. Suite 100

Cheyenne, WY 82002

For additional information, such as definitions and procedure for determining qualification, please refer to WDOC Policy and Procedure #3.403, Inmate Rights.

For general questions regarding the process for automatic restoration of voting rights you may call the WDOC representative at 307-777-5983.

As you can see, this is going to take some commitment and time. Don’t get too frustrated that the Department of Corrections may not get back to you in a timely fashion. It may take a few months. 

It’s a presidential election year, and every vote counts, especially in local races that have the greatest impact on your life. 

Get this done now, so you can participate in August and November.

            Richard Johnson is a former City Council member from Cheyenne’s east side.