Oklahoma Senate sends election integrity bill to Governor’s desk

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Senate overwhelmingly approved a bill Thursday to protect election integrity in the absentee ballot process and now the bill heads to the governor’s desk for consideration.

Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, is the author of the bill, which protects the integrity of the absentee ballot process while granting exemptions during the course of the coronavirus health pandemic. The bill passed 38-9.

“Unfortunately, the Oklahoma Supreme Court legislated from the bench on Monday. Oklahomans need to have confidence that our election process is secure and free from fraud. This measure upholds the integrity of our absentee ballot process while also making it easier to vote absentee during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic all in an attempt to protect the health and safety of voters and election workers,” Treat said. “Through the ballot box and in our Constitution, Oklahomans have made it abundantly clear they want our elections free from fraud and interference. The Legislature has followed through and enacted measures to uphold and protect our election process. This is a good solution that addresses concerns raised about voting during a pandemic, while also maintaining the integrity of the absentee ballot process.”

Senate Bill 210:

• Requires voters to have absentee ballots notarized, which has been the standard in Oklahoma for well over 50 years.
• Allows voters to submit absentee ballots with a copy of their identification or voter identification card, in lieu of having it notarized, if a public health emergency has been declared within 45 days of an election. That is expected to include the June 30 primary election.
• The bill also allows residents of long-term care facilities and veterans’ centers to vote absentee under existing Election Board procedures for those facilities that would be enhanced by allowing a facility official to be deputized by an election official to enter the facility to collect required documentation.
• Those ill with COVID-19 who cannot leave their home, those suffering from symptoms of COVID-19 and those in high-risk categories can be considered “physically incapacitated” and can have an absentee ballot sent to their home.