Oklahoma House Bill HB1092

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Elections; appointment of county election board members; making certain action unlawful; effective date.

Impact

The bill's amendments ensure that the appointment of county election board members aligns with specific nomination requirements, promoting party participation in local election governance. Additionally, it includes provisions that label the sale of recommendations for appointments as unlawful, which aims to deter any corrupt practices surrounding appointments to the election boards. The effective date for these changes is set for November 1, 2021, marking a substantial shift in how election boards are constituted within the state.

Summary

House Bill 1092 addresses the appointment process for county election board members in Oklahoma. The bill amends Section 2-111 of Title 26 of the Oklahoma Statutes, reshaping how county election board members are nominated and appointed. Under this bill, the State Election Board is required to appoint members from the nominees submitted by the county central committees of the two largest political parties within the state. This structured framework seeks to ensure that appointments reflect political party representation and maintain a consistent process across counties.

Contention

While proponents of HB1092 argue that it establishes a fair and transparent process for appointing county election board members, critics may raise concerns about the rigidity this structure introduces, potentially limiting the flexibility and responsiveness of election boards to local needs. The implications of having a standardized process are debated, especially in the context of political diversity and the autonomy of local party organizations. Critics may also express worries regarding the practical enforcement of the law against unlawful transactions concerning nominations.