Oklahoma lawmakers to consider early voting reform, photo ID requirements and more elections changes

Oklahoma lawmakers will consider several bills that could change voting procedures during the 2025 legislative session.

Some would affect voters heading to the polls, like changing the identification accepted. Others seek to alter the responsibilities of the government and political parties.

Here are four voting and democracy topics worth watching in proposed legislation this year.

Early and absentee voting reform
During last November’s general election, many Oklahoma voters experienced long lines for early voting. Also known as in-person absentee voting, early voting allows certain locations in each county to open a few days before election day. Early voting in Oklahoma is available on Thursday and Friday before any election. There are also opportunities for early voting on the Wednesday and Saturday before certain elections, such as the general election.

However, two Senate bills proposed this session seek to lengthen the early voting period. Senate Bill 129, filed by Sen. Julia Kirt, D-OKC, would make early voting available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for 14 days immediately preceding any election. Though less of a jump, Senate Bill 273 — filed by Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman — would add Wednesday as an early voting day for all elections. In addition, it would increase Saturday early voting to the preceding three weeks before certain elections rather than just one week.

A record number of Oklahoma voters cast their ballots early between Oct. 30 and Nov. 2, 2024.

On the other side of the aisle, Rep. Molly Jenkins, R-Coyle, is proposing that mail-in voting have more restrictions.

Read more at: https://www.kosu.org/politics/2025-01-27/oklahoma-lawmakers-to-consider-early-voting-reform-photo-id-requirements-and-more-elections-changes