A way to better voting system
Oklahoma has the opportunity to make changes that will not only increase voter access and engagement, but also increase voter convenience and satisfaction. The Oklahoma Academy Town Hall studied our election system in 2017. From that came a consensus to make it easier to vote while protecting the sanctity of each vote.
Ensuring the integrity of the election process is essential for democracy. However, the health of our citizens is also essential. We have a system with the ability to vote absentee by mail, yet further steps need to be taken to remove impediments to the current process.
Three years ago, Town Hall participants listed as a priority recommendation the expansion of early and mail-in voting because it helps overcome difficulties in finding voting locations, but serious consideration should be given to removing the notarization requirement and instead use a signature-based identity-verification process similar to the inperson affidavit process. The Oklahoma Supreme Court did that this week. The Town Hall realized by using a mailin process citizens are able to take the time they need to study candidates and many of the major issues facing our communities.
Oklahoma offers early voting, including on weekends, at select county election board locations, in addition to mail-in absentee ballots. The Town Hall recommended that Oklahoma should continue building a hybrid system, leveraging the benefits of a mail-in system and a more efficient, consolidated in-person polling center system and then convert to online voting when the technology and security have improved.
The State Election Board has done a wonderful job with the OK Voter Portal. The portal provides a “onestop-shop” for voting needs including the option to request a mail-in ballot. With such a crucial election June 30, the importance of people exercising the early voting and the mail-in option will not only fulfill your obligation to vote, but it also gives you the ability to stay safe from COVID-19.
Technology is improving, and there is no reason why we should not continue to be a leader in the election process. The current pandemic gives Oklahoma the perfect opportunity to make the changes needed to improve our voting process. By removing the impediments and focusing on how these goals can be achieved, Oklahoma will be a leader by implementing a hybrid voter system.
Putting the people first should be of the upmost importance, and creating a culture where everyone's vote matters in Oklahoma is imperative. We may not have the hybrid voter system available by June 30, however we should use the mail-in system we have and stay healthy and safe.