Elections; creating certain misdemeanor offense. Effective date.
If enacted, SB654 would significantly impact the legal framework surrounding absentee voting in Oklahoma. The bill aims to ensure the integrity of the election process by prohibiting actions deemed as ballot harvesting, with legal consequences for those who violate these provisions. The implications of this legislation could lead to a reduction in absentee ballot interference, increasing public confidence in the electoral process, as well as potentially affecting voter turnout among those reliant on absentee voting methods.
Senate Bill 654 aims to amend existing laws related to elections, specifically focusing on absentee ballot harvesting. It introduces new definitions concerning the collection and submission of absentee ballots and sets forth conditions under which such actions are considered unlawful. This bill attempts to tighten regulations around absentee voting by identifying specific actions that will constitute ballot harvesting, which includes obtaining or submitting an absentee ballot on behalf of another person without their prior consent, or misleading a voter regarding the process of submitting their absentee ballot.
While supporters of SB654 argue that the bill is necessary to combat election fraud and maintain the integrity of the voting process, critics express concern that these regulations may disenfranchise voters, particularly vulnerable populations who may require assistance in submitting their absentee ballots. The introduction of a misdemeanor offense for notaries who fail to comply with new regulations raises concerns over the implications for voter assistance programs, as well as the potential for interpretations that could lead to unintentional penalties for assisting voters in legitimate ways.