Early voting despite ID law issue
OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahomans began early voting Thursday ahead of next week’s primary runoff elections, even as attorneys pledged to challenge a judge’s recent ruling upholding the state’s voter ID law. Attorneys for a Tulsa voter who challenged the law said they will appeal a ruling by Oklahoma County Judge Aletia Haynes Timmons that upheld the law requiring voters to present a valid photo identification card from the state, tribal or federal government before they can cast a ballot.
Voter Delilah Christine Gentges sued the Oklahoma State Election Board in 2012 after voters approved the measure in a statewide election in 2010, alleging it creates a “new barrier” for voters. The statute took effect in July 2011.
“Any condition that affects the right of suffrage is unreasonable in our minds,” said Tulsa attorney William Thomas, who represents Gentges.
Thomas said attorneys will appeal Timmons’ ruling on the law’s constitutionality, which was handed down on Monday, as well as her ruling that the issue could be heard in Oklahoma County instead of Tulsa County, where Gentges lives.
The Oklahoma voter ID measure requires voters to present a valid photo identification card from the state, tribal or federal government, though the elderly can use photo IDs without an expiration date. Those without a proper identification card can sign a sworn statement but are only allowed to cast a provisional ballot.
Supporters have said the measure will reduce voter fraud. More than 30 states have some kind of voter ID requirement at the polls, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. And voters have challenged some of those states’ voter ID laws.