Legislation requiring photo identification to cast a ballot passed a House committee today.Senate Bill 4 would require citizens to provide “proof of identity” before voting. Under the bill, proof of identity could be established by producing a document containing a photograph of the voter that was issued by a state, federal, county, municipal, or tribal government.
The legislation also would allow voters to cast a ballot if they showed their free voter identification card issued by the state election board.
“It has been proven that requiring a voter ID card does not suppress voting, and in fact several states with similar laws in place saw increased turnout last November,” said Rep. Sue Tibbs, House author of the bill. “This legislation will not prevent a single Oklahoman from voting, but will in fact improve the confidence voters have in the process.”
If the voter is unable to provide any proof of identity, they would be allowed to sign a statement under oath swearing to his or her identity. Anyone found to have signed the oath falsely would be subject to felony punishment.
“This legislation is important to protecting our democratic process and ensuring that every voting Oklahoman is eligible and can know with certainty that their vote will count,” said House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa.
The bill also extends the state’s early voting, allowing Oklahomans to start voting at 1 p.m. the Wednesday prior to a general election. Currently, Oklahomans can vote early on the Friday, Saturday and Monday prior to an election.
“The extension of early voting will ensure that all Oklahomans who wish to vote, and are eligible, have ample time to do so,” said Tibbs, R-Tulsa. “This bill is about protecting the process, pure and simple.”
Senate Bill 4 passed the House Rules Committee today and will now move to the full House for consideration. Senate Bill 692 also passed the committee, which would send similar language to a vote of the people.
