Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB1902

Introduced
2/6/23  

Caption

Elections; authorizing absentee voter to cast provisional ballot; providing exceptions; effective date.

Impact

The changes proposed in HB1902 are expected to enhance the voting process for absentee voters, allowing them to securely cast their votes. This amendment to the law may impact the handling of provisional ballots during elections and is designed to ensure that every valid voter has an avenue to express their electoral choices. The bill will also ensure that provisional ballots are counted only after a thorough verification of the absentee ballot's status, which is intended to maintain integrity in the voting process.

Summary

House Bill 1902 aims to amend the current laws regarding provisional ballots in the state of Oklahoma. The bill allows absentee voters to cast provisional ballots under specific circumstances, such as when their absentee ballot has not arrived by election day or if they received a notice of rejection before election day. This provision seeks to ensure that absentee voters have a chance to participate in elections even if there are issues with their absentee ballots, thereby promoting voter participation and safeguarding electoral rights.

Contention

While the bill may provide additional opportunities for absentee voting, it could also lead to concerns over the verification process and the management of provisional ballots. Critics may argue that the system could become complicated or overburdened with the additional responsibilities placed on election officials to verify the legitimacy of provisional ballots promptly. Moreover, there may be debates around potential voter fraud and ensuring that only eligible voters have access to cast provisional ballots. The effectiveness of these measures will likely be scrutinized during implementation.

Companion Bills

OK HB1902

Carry Over Elections; authorizing absentee voter to cast provisional ballot; providing exceptions; effective date.

Previously Filed As

OK HB1300

Elections; provisional ballots; absentee voter; effective date.

OK HB1300

Elections; provisional ballots; absentee voter; effective date.

OK HB774

Elections; absentee and provisional ballots, cure process, delayed effective date.

OK HF2164

A bill for an act relating to the casting of provisional ballots by persons registering to vote on election day or when casting an in-person absentee ballot.

OK SF2081

A bill for an act relating to the casting of provisional ballots by persons registering to vote on election day or when casting an in-person absentee ballot.

OK SF158

A bill for an act relating to the casting of provisional ballots by persons registering to vote on election day or when casting an in-person absentee ballot.

OK HF160

A bill for an act relating to the casting of provisional ballots by persons registering to vote on election day or when casting an in-person absentee ballot.

OK SB153

Conduct of elections; requiring signing of certain oath; authorizing provisional ballot for certain persons; requiring update of voter registration. Effective date.

OK SB153

Conduct of elections; requiring signing of certain oath; authorizing provisional ballot for certain persons; requiring update of voter registration. Effective date.

OK SF3315

Voters who register on election day requirement to cast provisional ballots

Similar Bills

OK HB1300

Elections; provisional ballots; absentee voter; effective date.

OK HB1300

Elections; provisional ballots; absentee voter; effective date.

MI SB0120

Elections: voting procedures; process for voting without identification for election purposes; modify to include proof of identity and proof of state residency. Amends secs. 523, 523a, 813 & 829 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.523 et seq.).

OH SB293

Revise deadline to return absent voter ballots

OH HB601

Revise the Election Law

MO SB986

Modifies provisions relating to elections

NJ S2919

Allows voter registration at polling place on election day or at early voting site during early voting period.

NJ A1698

Allows voter registration at polling place on election day or at early voting site during early voting period.