Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1570

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

Absentee voting; modifying requirements and procedures for voting by absentee ballot. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

One of the significant impacts of SB1570 is its focus on stringent identification and application processes for absentee voting. Voters must provide valid identification when applying for absentee ballots and submit a signed affidavit when returning these ballots. Additionally, the bill mandates that absentee ballots include watermarks and barcodes to facilitate tracking and prevent double counting, which is seen as a critical step in enhancing the security of the absentee voting process.

Summary

Senate Bill 1570 aims to modify the procedures and requirements for absentee voting in Oklahoma, establishing in-person voting as the preferred method while allowing absentee ballots under specific circumstances. The bill outlines the conditions under which voters can apply for absentee ballots, primarily for those who expect to be out of jurisdiction on Election Day or have disabilities that prevent them from voting in person. This legislation is positioned as a means of ensuring secure and verifiable absentee voting, thereby addressing concerns regarding election integrity.

Contention

Despite the bill's focus on security, there are concerns regarding its implications for voter accessibility and participation. Critics argue that the rejection of electronic signatures and the strict requirements for submitting absentee ballot applications could disenfranchise eligible voters, particularly those with disabilities or those lacking easy access to required identification. Additionally, some lawmakers fear that the combination of stricter regulations could lead to voter intimidation or confusion during the voting process, undermining the intent of the legislation to enhance voter participation.