The Oklahoma Senate approved a bill to protect election integrity in the absentee ballot process and it has been signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt.

Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, is the author of the bill, which grants exemptions during the course of the coronavirus health pandemic. The bill passed 38-9.

“Unfortunately, the Oklahoma Supreme Court legislated from the bench,” Treat said. “Oklahomans need to have confidence that our election process is secure and free from fraud.”

Senate Bill 210:

• Requires voters to have absentee ballots notarized, which has been the standard  for well over 50 years.
• Allows voters to submit absentee ballots with a copy of their identification or voter identification card, in lieu of having it notarized, if a public health emergency has been declared within 45 days of an election. That is expected to include the June 30 primary election.
• The bill allows residents of long-term care facilities and veterans’ centers to vote absentee under existing Election Board procedures for those facilities that would be enhanced by allowing a facility official to be deputized by an election official to enter the facility to collect required documentation.
• Those ill with COVID-19 who cannot leave their home, those suffering from symptoms  and those in high-risk categories can be considered “physically incapacitated” and can have an absentee ballot sent to their home.