Tulsa World: Bills aim to recast elections

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Bills aim to recast elections

By BARBARA HOBEROCK World Capitol Bureau
Published: 1/20/2009 10:59 PM
Last Modified: 1/20/2009 10:59 PM

OKLAHOMA CITY — A number of bills filed for the upcoming session propose changes to the state’s election laws.

Sen. John Ford, R-Bartlesville, has filed Senate Bill 4, which would require a person to show proof of identity to vote.

A voter ID measure died last legislative session. Democrats said such measures disenfranchise poor, disabled and elderly voters who may not have identification and tend to vote Democratic. Supporters said it was necessary to ensure the integrity of the process.

Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre, D-Tulsa, has filed Senate Bill 440, which would make requests to vote absentee continuous until the voter provides written notice that an absentee ballot is no longer needed, the voter ceases to be registered, or the voter doesn’t return any of the absentee ballots for two successive general elections.

She said the measure is to benefit the elderly and incapacitated.

“Right now, the elderly and disabled are generally more reliable Democratic votes,” said Senate Minority Leader Charles Laster, D-Shawnee.

Sen. Kenneth Corn, D-Poteau, has filed Senate Bill 866 to allow voters to register in person on election day.

“I think we should remove the obstacles,” Corn said.

Laster said the measure would increase the likelihood that people would vote and increase turnouts in high-profile elections.

Sen. Debbe Leftwich, D-Oklahoma City, has filed Senate Bill 324 to eliminate straight party voting. She said the measure is designed to eliminate voter confusion.

Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, filed Senate Bill 874, which requires sheriffs and district attorneys to run on nonpartisan ballots.

Coffee said law enforcement is a nonpartisan issue. Whether the measure benefits one particular party depends on the area of the state where the election is held.

“If you are in Little Dixie, it probably benefits the Republicans,” Coffee said. “Here in Oklahoma County, it probably benefits the Democrats.”

Republicans now have a 26-22 majority in the Senate for the first time in history.

By BARBARA HOBEROCK World Capitol Bureau

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	Report Comment Intermittently Semi-Serious, Broken Arrow (1/21/2009 2:04:53 AM) Straight party-line votes allow for a vote without thought. The constitution does not say of the idiots, by the idiots and for the idiots. Our right to vote did not come easy and should not be allowed to be taken lightly. These are important decisions, not coin flips. As for ID...it is already a misdemeanor not to posess valid ID, it just isn't enforced (can you immagine the courts?). Why let someone that is breaking the law decide the law?
	Report Comment my view, Sand Springs (1/21/2009 5:25:42 AM) You need identification to cash a check, most have it. The argument against voter ID is a smoke screen. The Poor need it to get state benefits, disable need it for SSI and elderly need proof of who they are for social surceity. It not that much of inconvience show proof of who you are.
	Report Comment DavidOK, (1/21/2009 11:13:15 PM) 80,000 Oklahomans do not have a photo ID, If photo ID is required and it is not free the new law will not be constitutional. If the state pays for it the cost will be around a million dollars. I have more information at voterok dot com
	Report Comment DavidOK, (1/21/2009 11:14:02 PM) Go to youtube and search voter id oklahoma and watch the videos.

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