Democrats Kill Voter ID Bill in Partisan Vote

Republican state senators expressed their disappointment that Senate Democrats voted along party lines to kill a bill designed to stamp out election fraud by requiring voters to show a form of identification at the polls.

Senate Bill 1150 received 24 votes in favor, and 23 votes opposed, but 25 votes were required to pass the bill and send it to the governor’s desk.

The leader of Democrats in the Oklahoma State Senate – President Pro Tem Mike Morgan of Stillwater – skipped the vote despite being on the floor moments earlier and voting for a procedural motion that brought SB 1150 to a final vote.

By skipping the vote, Morgan prevented a tie that could have required Lt. Gov. Jari Askins to break the tie.

The bill’s author, Sen. John Ford, R-Bartlesville, said, “I am very disappointed that this bill failed, especially that it was defeated by Democrats on a partisan, party-line vote. Oklahoma citizens – both Democrats and Republicans – want to be assured that our elections are fair. SB 1150 helped ensure fairness, and would not have disenfranchised any group or individual. I will keep fighting for voter ID and voter integrity in Oklahoma,” he stated.

“Judging by their blatant display of partisanship today, Senate Democrats seem intent on turning the State Senate back into the Legislature’s graveyard for good legislation. That’s not good for the Senate or for the people of Oklahoma,” said Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City.

Ford can bring the bill back up for a reconsideration of the vote within three legislative days.

Sen. Ford Renews Push to Prevent Election Fraud

Sen. Ford Renews Push
to Prevent Election Fraud

For digital audio


Sen. John Ford (R - Dist 29) is renewing his effort to protect Oklahomans against election fraud. Ford has filed Senate Bill 1150 which will require voters to show identification when they cast their ballots. While similar legislation has gone unheard in past sessions, Ford said it was important to keep fighting for this measure.

“The role voters play in determining the future of our cities, counties, state and nation is just too important to leave it open to fraud,” said Ford. “Senate Bill 1150 will protect the integrity of the process by helping ensure that only duly registered voters participate in elections.”


Ford, who represents Craig, Nowata and Washington Counties, said his measure simply requires voters to show identification at the polls. Voters could use a valid voter identification card, driver license, passport, state identification card, a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check or paycheck, or any other government document showing the voter’s name and address.

“No one thinks twice when asked for identification when writing a check or for commercial air travel,” Ford said. “When you consider the critical roll elections play in determining our very future, it is simply good sense to make sure we do everything possible to protect that future by ensuring citizens who are registered voters are the ones making those decisions.”

If approved, SB 1150 would take effect on January 1, 2009.