Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1457

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

Election audits; requiring appointment of independent third party to conduct forensic audit of certain election. Emergency.

Impact

The bill mandates that audits be conducted in designated counties, particularly the three most populous as well as the three least populous, and other randomly selected counties. It outlines specific timelines for the appointment of the audit party and requires that the audits be completed within ninety days. Following the completion, the appointed independent party must submit a detailed report identifying any anomalies or discrepancies found in voter data or ballot tabulations. Funding for the audits is proposed to come from federal sources, including the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan Act.

Summary

Senate Bill 1457, known as the Post-Election Forensic Audit Act of 2022, establishes a framework for conducting a forensic audit of the November 2020 general election in Oklahoma. This legislation requires the appointment of an independent third party by the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to oversee the audit process. The objective is to enhance transparency and confidence in the electoral process by ensuring thorough verification of the election results.

Contention

The introduction of SB1457 could stir significant debate regarding election integrity and the necessity of forensic audits in general. Proponents may argue that it serves as a crucial tool for enhancing public trust in elections and deterring potential fraud. However, critics could view the bill as a politically motivated effort to question the legitimacy of the 2020 election results, potentially fueling further divisions. Overall, the bill's implementation raises questions about its necessity and implications for future electoral processes in Oklahoma.