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.
The State Senate approved Voter ID legislation on Tuesday that will ensure clean and fair elections for generations to come.
Senate Bill 4 requires any individual that votes in person to show “proof of identity,” which can be a document that includes the voter’s name, a picture of the voter, and is issued by the United States, the State of Oklahoma, or a federally recognized Indian Tribe or Nation. In instances where an individual does not have any of these methods of identification, the voter may show their county issued Voter ID card.
“Many daily activities require valid identification, such as writing a check, boarding a plane or even getting a library card in some states,” said Ford. “When voters get the opportunity to decide who will run our state and our nation and what laws will govern our citizens, it is prudent to verify their identification at the polls.”
Ford stressed how critical it is to be pro-active in keeping elections clean and fair.
“Opponents of this responsible and reasonable reform offer unsubstantiated claims of voter disenfranchisement to bolster their case,” said Ford. “Contrary to what they would have you believe, the states with the most stringent voter identification requirements saw greater turnout compared to their neighboring states with similar demographics in 2008,” he continued.
“The time for this election reform has come, and I’m pleased to send it to the House for their approval, and on to the governor,” Ford concluded.
The Senate Rules Committee has approved a pro-active bill designed to strengthen the integrity of Oklahoma's elections. Senate Bill 4, by Sen. John Ford would require anyone voting in person to show proof of identity.
Ford said voters could use a photo ID issued by the United States, the State of Oklahoma or a federally recognized Indian Tribe or Nation. Voters without a government issued photo ID could simply show their county issued Voter ID card.
"I believe that we have a right and a responsibility as citizens to vote, but as a state, we have a responsibility to make sure that every vote that's cast is a legitimate, valid vote," Ford said. "That's all this bill does."
"I truly believe that this enhances the quality of our election process. In no way will it disenfranchise any group--it doesn't keep anyone from voting, and it is not a poll tax because there is no expense to the voter. It simply gives greater protection to our system against the possibility of fraud."
Senator John Ford, R-Bartlesville, has introduced legislation that will help protect the integrity of the election system in Oklahoma.
Senate Bill 4 requires any individual that votes in person to show “proof of identity,” which can be a document that includes the voter’s name, a picture of the voter, and is issued by the United States, the State of Oklahoma, or a federally recognized Indian Tribe or Nation. In instances where an individual does not have any of these methods of identification, the voter may show their county issued Voter ID card.
“Valid identification is required in our daily activities, such as writing a check, boarding a plane or even getting a library card in some states,” said Ford. “So when it comes to voters deciding who will run our state and our nation and what laws will govern our citizens, it is prudent to verify the identification of voters at the polls.”
“During the election season last fall, we heard of the many fraudulent registrations being conducted,” Ford continued. “It is critical that we prevent this from happening in our state.”
Although voter fraud has not been wide spread up to this point in Oklahoma, Ford believes it is important to take these steps to protect from future fraud. In a report published by pollster John Zogby, it was reported that 9% of Americans don’t believe their votes are counted accurately. This number increases to 13% among Hispanics and 18% among African Americans.
Legislation requiring photo identification to cast a ballot passed a House committee today.
