Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB2921

Introduced
2/1/21  

Caption

Elections; requiring certain procedures for rejection of absentee ballots; providing for ballot curing; effective date.

Impact

If enacted, HB2921 would modify existing election laws, aiming to improve the efficiency and transparency of absentee voting in Oklahoma. The proposal requires that any inconsistencies in voter signatures, such as the substitution of initials, cannot be grounds for rejection of ballots. This is intended to reduce voter disenfranchisement due to minor signature mismatches, and it obligates election officials to actively notify voters regarding deficiencies in their ballots, providing them an opportunity to rectify such issues promptly.

Summary

House Bill 2921 introduces significant modifications to absentee voting procedures in Oklahoma, aimed at enhancing the electoral process. Key provisions include requiring additional information on absentee ballot affidavits, allowing certain procedures for curing rejected ballots, and informing voters of potential issues with their ballots prior to elections. The bill places emphasis on the confidentiality of voter contact details and mandates that county election boards develop educational materials regarding rejected ballots and associated remedies. Moreover, it seeks to streamline the absentee voting process, especially during a state of emergency.

Contention

Despite its intended benefits, HB2921 has sparked debates regarding its implications for voter security and the integrity of elections. Critics have voiced concerns that the looser signature requirements and procedures for curing rejected ballots could open avenues for potential voter fraud. Proponents, however, argue that these changes are necessary to protect voters’ rights and ensure that absentee ballots are counted fairly without imposing undue burdens on voters, particularly the elderly or those with disabilities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK HB4159

Elections; requiring certain procedures for rejection of absentee ballots; providing for ballot curing; effective date.

OK HB1999

Elections; requiring certain procedures for rejection of absentee ballots; providing for ballot curing; effective date.

OK HB1999

Elections; requiring certain procedures for rejection of absentee ballots; providing for ballot curing; effective date.

OK HB3625

Elections; ballots; curing procedures; effective date.

OK SB1374

Absentee voting; requiring absentee ballot to contain certain watermark; establishing procedures for rejection of certain ballots. Effective date.

OK SB714

Elections; absentee voting; modifying procedures for absentee ballots for certain electors. Emergency.

OK SB103

Absentee ballots; modifying procedures for marking and return of ballots for certain persons. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB124

Absentee ballots; modifying procedures for marking and return of ballots for certain persons. Effective date.

OK SB124

Absentee ballots; modifying procedures for marking and return of ballots for certain persons. Effective date.

OK HB3364

Elections; removing obsolete language; providing for application processes for absentee ballots; effective date; emergency.

Similar Bills

OK HB2792

Civil procedure; forms; Oklahoma Bar Association; Administrative Office of the Courts; Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN) website; effective date.

OK HB2792

Civil procedure; forms; Oklahoma Bar Association; Administrative Office of the Courts; Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN) website; effective date.

OK SB329

Absentee ballots; establishing alternative procedures for execution of absentee ballot affidavits; requiring opportunity to cure defective application or affidavit. Effective date.

OK HB1999

Elections; requiring certain procedures for rejection of absentee ballots; providing for ballot curing; effective date.

OK HB1999

Elections; requiring certain procedures for rejection of absentee ballots; providing for ballot curing; effective date.

OK HB4159

Elections; requiring certain procedures for rejection of absentee ballots; providing for ballot curing; effective date.

OK HB3625

Elections; ballots; curing procedures; effective date.

OK HB3179

Civil procedure; eviction; affidavit and summons; effective date.