(The Center Square) – Wyoming’s governor and secretary of state disagree over proposed rules on U.S. citizenship and voting.

Last week, Gov. Mark Gordon declined to approve election rules proposed by Secretary of State Chuck Gray that would have required proof of identity, state residency and U.S. citizenship in order to register to vote.

In an April 12th letter to Gray, the governor wrote that “Wyoming’s elections are safe and secure,” pointing to the 2022 election cycle as evidence. Gordon also stated that remedies for suspected malfeasance or fraud already exist, and the responsibility to change election laws lies with the legislative branch and not the secretary of state’s office.

Gray in a statement then criticized Gordon’s decision, saying it “makes it easier for illegal aliens and non-residents to illegally vote, which is deeply disturbing.”

According to Gray, Wyoming statute not only allows for the rule, but calls for such a regulation.

“W.S. 22-1-102(a)(xxvii) expressly defines the registration process as requiring ‘verification of the name and voter information of a qualified elector,’” said Gray. “The rule provided for a process to verify an individual’s attestation that they are a resident of Wyoming. And it also fulfilled the statutory requirement that no person would be allowed to register to vote if their identification contains any indication that they are not a U.S. citizen.”

Gray vowed to continue to fight for “election integrity measures,” adding these rules were thoroughly vetted and had overwhelming support from the people of Wyoming during a period of public comment.

“They should have been signed,” he added.