Sen. Ford Files Bill to Prevent Election Fraud

The role Oklahoma voters play in shaping the state’s laws and public policy is too important to leave it open to fraud—that’s according to Sen. John Ford, who has filed legislation requiring voters to show identification when they cast their ballots.

“As citizens, we all have not only the right, but a responsibility to vote. As a government, we have the responsibility to assure that only duly registered voters exercise that right to vote,” said Ford.

Ford, who represents Craig, Nowata and Washington Counties, said under Senate Bill 15, voters would have several different options for providing identification, including a valid voter identification card, driver license, passport, state identification card, a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or any other government document showing the voter’s name and address.

“If we write a check or use a debit card at a store, we can expect to be asked for ID,” Ford said. “When you consider the vital role voters play, including choosing who makes our laws, decides our taxes, as well as voting directly on constitutional amendments and other issues, it seems to me we should want to do everything possible to ensure the integrity of the process.”

If approved, SB 15 would take effect July 1, 2007.