OKLAHOMA CITY -- A proposal that would require voters to show "proof of identity" before casting their ballots has cleared a legislative committee and is expected to be heard by the full state Senate next week.
But not every lawmaker is thrilled with the proposal.
Senate Bill 4, by Bartlesville Republican John Ford, would require voters to provide documents that include the voter's name and picture prior to voting in an election. Ford's bill also requires the identification be issued by the United States, the State of Oklahoma or a federally recognized Indian Tribe or Nation. Individuals who do not have any recognized form of identification may show their county-issued Voter ID card.
Ford said the use of photo identification is prevalent today and, therefore, should be required in voting.
"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," he said. "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.
However, state Sen. John Sparks, D-Norman, said Ford and other Republican legislators are using the bill to try to reduce access to the ballot box.
"The GOP are methodically and systematically reducing access for voters," he said. "This year they've killed bills such as same day voting-registration and bills to extend the state's early voting period. The Republicans didn't want non-traditional voters -- such as those people with jobs at night -- going to the polls. They are torpedoing these things."
Sparks also questioned Ford's claim that Senate Bill 4 was necessary because of "many fraudulent registrations" which happened during last fall's election. "There is no evidence anywhere in the state of people using fraudulent identification to vote," he said. "It's not there."
In a media release about his bill, Ford said state lawmakers "heard of the many fraudulent (voter) registrations being conducted. It is critical that we prevent this from happening in our state."
But in Cleveland County, election board officials confirmed there have been no instances of voter fraud in the past four years.
"We've had a couple of people who voted twice and we turned that over the district attorney," said county Election Board Secretary Paula Roberts. "But we have had no instances of voter fraud or of people using false identification to vote."
Earlier this month, the GOP-controlled state Senate pushed Ford's bill through the Senate Rules committee on a 10-5, party-line vote. Following the vote, Ford told the Associated Press lawmakers had "the right and responsibility" to "make sure every vote that is cast is a legitimate vote."
Republicans in the House said they expected the measure to "get a good hearing" and, eventually, end up on the governor's desk.
"There have been many voting irregularities in the past," said Moore Republican Paul Wesselhoft. "And this bill would help prevent that."
Wesselhoft, who said he carries photo identification cards for his military membership, driver's license, tribal affiliation and as a member of the state legislature, said photo identification is "just part of the world we live in."
"I don't think this bill is onerous," he said. "And unless someone can show me how it disenfranchises people I support it. But if someone can show me how it will prevent people from voting, then I'll change."
The bill is awaiting action by the full Senate.
M. Scott Carter 366-3545 scarter@normantranscript.com
Local news
Senate awaits voter ID bill
- Local news
-
-
Theater’s the scene for Norman marketing director
Nancy Coggins landed a job with a prestigious Oklahoma City advertising agency before the ink dried on her OU journalism diploma. The job was a first rung on her career ladder and she admits that it didn’t call for her creative talents. ...
-
New jail to install curtains
The F. DeWayne Beggs Detention Center, though still in its infancy, is getting a facelift: new curtains....
-
Businesses go the extra mile for Valentine’s Day
Among the various images the phrase “Valentine’s Day” might conjure in one’s mind, probably the most immediate is the iconic dozen roses and heart-shaped box of chocolates....
-
New rehabilitation, skilled care center will be next to HealthPlex
StoneGate Senior Living President and CEO John F. Taylor announced Friday that his company has completed the purchase of approximately 6.7 acres of land in the Norman Regional Health System’s Medical Park West project at NW 36th Avenueand ...
-
Mystery performance provides theatrical fatal attraction
James Briggs has a pretty steady day job with the city parks department, doesn’t live anywhere near Little River and probably never owned or slept in a hatchback. He doesn’t usually wear sport coats that are two sizes too small, either ...
-
'Get the Lead Out' annual children's art festival enters 10th year
Longfellow Middle School had a special “GLO” about it Saturday morning....
-
County prisoners moved to new jail
Cleveland County sheriff’s deputies began moving prisoners from the detention center adjacent to the courthouse to the new F. DeWayne Beggs Detention Center at Franklin Road and U.S. 77 early Saturday morning....
-
School board elections Tuesday
Voters go to the polls Tuesday in four Cleveland County school districts. Cleveland County Election Board Secretary Jim Williams said this will be the first election using the new voting system. Polls will open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on ...
-
Identity theft crackdown sweeps nation
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and the Justice Department recently announced a national sweep cracking down on suspected identity theft perpetrators as part of a stepped-up effort against refund fraud and identity theft....
-
Darry Stacy seeking county commission seat
Darry Stacy, a fifth generation Oklahoman and lifelong resident of Cleveland County, announced Friday that he will be a Republican candidate for the District 2 Cleveland County commissioner seat....
- More Local news Headlines
-
Theater’s the scene for Norman marketing director
