Oklahoma Senate Bill SB902

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23
• Report Pass: 2/28/23

Caption

Elections; modifying requirements for participation in multistate voter list maintenance organizations. Effective date.

Impact

If enacted, SB902 would significantly impact how voter registration is managed in Oklahoma. It aims to streamline the sharing of information between states to identify and maintain accurate voter lists while ensuring the protection of personal data. The requirements for annual disclosures regarding voter registration data and actions taken based on the organization's advice also mark a shift towards greater transparency in the operation of the State Election Board. These changes are expected to enhance electoral integrity and reduce instances of voter fraud, a concern frequently raised in legislative discussions.

Summary

SB902 is a bill that modifies the requirements for Oklahoma's participation in multistate voter list maintenance organizations. This includes provisions authorizing the Secretary of the State Election Board to join organizations like the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) to improve voter list accuracy and integrity. The bill emphasizes the importance of securing voter data by prohibiting the release of information regarding non-citizens and ensuring that only eligible U.S. citizens are contacted regarding voter registration. Furthermore, the Secretary is tasked with providing demographic data of registered voters based on the findings from these organizations.

Sentiment

The reaction to SB902 is indicative of the ongoing national debate concerning election integrity versus accessibility. Supporters argue that measures like those in SB902 are necessary to uphold the validity of elections and prevent fraudulent registrations, while opponents caution that such regulations could lead to disenfranchisement of eligible voters due to stricter identification requirements. The sentiment surrounding the bill reflects polarized views on how to approach election security without compromising citizens' right to vote.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between ensuring voter list accuracy and protecting the rights of voters. Some critics have voiced concerns that the bill's provisions could potentially hinder voter registration drives or dissuade eligible citizens from registering altogether due to the perceived complexity of the requirements. Others question whether the mechanisms for punishing multistate organizations for data misuse are stringent enough to prevent potential violations of voter privacy.