Elections and Ethics

SB 1451 requires Oklahoma voter registration applications to include specific information, such as an Oklahoma driver's license number or the last four digits of a Social Security number (if no license exists), a handwritten signature, and details about prior registration in another state. It mandates county election boards to transmit certain voter data - like full name, date of birth, and previous address - to the State Election Board at least four times yearly when applicants registered in another state. The bill also specifies that residence addresses must include a street address (not a post office box) and clarifies that sensitive data like partial SSNs remains confidential. These changes directly affect voters applying for registration in Oklahoma and county election offices managing voter records.

SB 1286 requires school districts and local governments (municipalities or political subdivisions) to provide polling places in school or municipal buildings at no cost to voters. It amends Oklahoma law to mandate that governing boards of these entities must make rooms available for elections, rather than allowing them to opt out. The bill applies directly to election administrators in local jurisdictions and ensures polling locations are accessible in existing public facilities. It takes effect on November 1, 2026.

SB 1491 updates Oklahoma's process for filling vacancies among Presidential Electors. If an elector fails to attend the designated meeting or refuses to vote for their party's nominees, remaining electors must appoint a replacement. The new law requires this replacement to swear an oath promising to vote for the candidates nominated by their political party. This oath must be witnessed by the Governor or their designee and filed with the Secretary of State. The bill takes effect on November 1, 2026.

SB 1581 extends the time period for gathering signatures on initiative petitions in Oklahoma from 45 to 90 days after a petition is deemed sufficient by officials. This change directly affects individuals or groups collecting signatures to place measures on the ballot. The bill also adds a 10-day protest period during which opponents can challenge the petition's validity. The law will take effect on November 1, 2026, and modifies Section 103 of Oklahoma Statutes Title 38.

SB 1362 modifies Oklahoma's in-person absentee voting hours and requirements. It extends voting windows to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday before most elections (with specific Saturday hours for certain elections) and adds a Wednesday voting period before General Elections. Voters must now provide identity proof or sign a sworn statement for provisional ballots, and absentee voting boards must follow strict ballot-handling procedures, including sealing electronic storage media daily. The bill affects voters applying for in-person absentee ballots and takes effect January 1, 2027.