Elections and Ethics

A measure reorganizing when certain elections are held in Oklahoma passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives floor this week. Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, presented  Senate Bill 652 , which streamlines the election process by establishing five election days annually, scheduled in February, April, June, August and November. There are currently 12 possible election dates in odd-numbered years and seven in even-numbered years. "The passage of Senate Bill 652 is a forward-looking effort to bring greater clarity, consistency and accessibility to Oklahoma’s electoral process," Osburn said. "By strategically aligning our election dates, we can encourage broader participation in our democracy. This reform is not simply about rescheduling; it’s about respecting the time and voices of Oklahoma citizens. " Osburn added that a reduction in the number of elections will combat voter fatigue, relieve overworked poll workers and improve communication about election dates, all of which contribute to low voter turnout. SB652 was authored by Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle. "Senate Bill 652 is about making elections more predictable and is an effort to modernize and streamline Oklahoma’s election calendar," Paxton said. "By consolidating election dates, it will promote greater clarity for voters and improve access to the ballot. With a more structured election schedule, it will provide consistency and give voters greater opportunity to plan ahead and participate in the democratic process. I appreciate Representative Osburn for carrying this measure in the House and moving it forward." While the new structure would affect the timing of some special elections, propositions and candidate races, all other elections, including the absentee and early voting processes, would remain unaffected. SB652 preserves exceptions for special elections called by the governor and establishes clear guidelines for when additional elections can be scheduled. SB652 passed the House 93-0. It returns to the Senate for a vote on the House amendments.

Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, has passed legislation further enhancing the integrity of Oklahoma's electoral process. If House Bill 1005 becomes law, all voter identification cards must include a photo of the voter beginning in 2027. Under the bill, Service Oklahoma would be tasked with working with the Secretary of the State Election Board to develop and provide a free photo identification card that meets HB1005's requirements. "Oklahoma's elections are among the safest in the nation, and House Bill 1005 presents another opportunity to safeguard the integrity of our elections," Olsen said. "By requiring a photo ID for all voters, we are securing the votes of all Oklahomans and enhancing transparency and accountability in our elections. I appreciate the support of my colleagues in the House as we work together to protect Oklahoma's elections." These identification requirements would apply to both in-person absentee voting and Election Day voting. HB1005 passed the House floor 75-18 on Thursday and now moves to the Senate, where it is carried by Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant.

A measure modifying the dates for certain elections has successfully passed the House floor and is now one step closer to becoming law. Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, introduced  House Bill 2106  to increase voter participation in all elections while ensuring Oklahomans have plenty of opportunities to cast their votes. Under the current system, there are 12 possible election dates in odd-numbered years and seven in even-numbered years. House Bill 2106 streamlines this process by establishing five election days annually, scheduled in February, April, June, August and November. "House Bill 2106 is a common sense bill that streamlines our election calendar, reducing voter fatigue and making it easier for Oklahomans to participate in the voting process," Osburn said. "Consolidating elections not only helps keep voters engaged but also ensures a more efficient use of taxpayer dollars and maintains Oklahoma's election security." The bill ensures that major election dates, such as those in November, remain unchanged while reducing the number of special election dates. It preserves exceptions for special elections called by the governor and establishes clear guidelines for when additional elections can be scheduled. While the new structure would affect the timing of some special elections, propositions and candidate races, all other elections, including the absentee and early voting processes, would remain unaffected. HB2106 passed the House floor 92-0 and now moves to the Senate.