Enid, OK — A bill requiring Oklahomans to provide a reason when requesting an absentee ballot moved forward on Monday after a contentious debate in the House Elections and Ethics Committee.
The legislation, introduced by freshman Representative Molly Jenkins (R-Coyle), aims to increase the responsibility of absentee voters and ensure the integrity of the voting process. Under the bill, voters would need to select from a list of valid reasons — including illness, disability, military service, religious observance, and age — when requesting an absentee ballot.
Jenkins argued that the bill would strengthen absentee voting safeguards. “Voting is a right that we have,” she said. “This is simply a measure that will allow us the opportunity to make sure that people are being responsible.”
However, the bill sparked heated debate among lawmakers, particularly from the opposition. Rep. Mickey Dollens (D-Oklahoma City), a committee member, questioned the necessity of the bill, citing a lack of evidence of absentee voter fraud in the previous presidential election. Dollens argued that the bill could be seen as a barrier to voting. “What’s the purpose here? What are we trying to solve?” Dollens asked during the committee meeting. “We know in the last presidential election there were no cases of absentee voter fraud. So I think the purpose of this is to make it harder for people to vote.”
Dollens also pointed out that no other fundamental right in the United States requires citizens to justify their actions. “When you go to buy a gun, you don’t have to explain why you want a gun. If you want to go to a church, you don’t have to explain why you chose that church,” he remarked, explaining his opposition to the bill.
Despite these concerns, Jenkins defended her proposal, arguing that it would help improve the election system. “This is simply another measure to help strengthen the integrity of our absentee ballot voting instead of just simply having no excuse absentee ballots,” she said.
The bill ultimately ended in a 3-3 tie vote, with Speaker Pro Tem Anthony Moore casting the deciding vote in favor of the legislation. With Moore’s vote, the bill will now move forward in the legislative process.
Opponents worry that the measure could discourage eligible voters from using absentee ballots, while supporters argue it is a necessary step to ensure election security and accountability. As the bill continues to advance, it remains to be seen whether it will gain broader support in the Oklahoma Legislature.
