Elections; modifying requirements for voter registrations and conduct of elections. Effective date. Emergency.
SB995 also modifies existing laws regarding voter registration. In particular, it stipulates that the Secretary of the State Election Board must increase the frequency of address confirmation mailings and mandates annual audits of the voter registration database by the Attorney General. These measures aim to address issues of inactive voters and duplicate registrations, thus tightening the criteria for eligibility to vote. As a result, individuals who do not respond to confirmation mailings or who are identified as inactive voters may have their registrations canceled. This approach is intended to uphold the integrity of the voter rolls and ensure that only eligible voters participate in elections.
Senate Bill 995 aims to enhance the integrity of the electoral process in Oklahoma by introducing mandatory post-election audits to verify election results. The legislation specifies that audits must be based on statistical methods deemed to be 'best practices' and covers all ballot types, including absentee and provisional ballots. The objective of this bill is to boost public confidence in election administration by ensuring accuracy and transparency in the electoral process. To achieve this, counties are required to conduct audits after each primary, general, runoff, and recall election, reinforcing the significance of monitoring the democratic process.
While supporters argue that SB995 is essential for maintaining the integrity of the electoral system, concerns have been raised regarding the potential implications for voter access. Critics highlight that the increased scrutiny on voter registrations and the aggressive purging of inactive voters may disproportionately affect certain communities. Particular focus has been given to low-income and minority voters who may face additional barriers in maintaining their registration status. Therefore, the balance between election integrity and ensuring equal access to voting remains a contentious aspect of the bill, prompting a broader discussion on how best to protect both principles within the state's electoral framework.