Proposed federal election-security changes involving absentee ballots would not apply to Oklahoma’s June 16 primary election, state officials say.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Proposed federal election-security changes involving absentee ballots will not affect Oklahoma’s June 16 primary election, according to state election officials.
The proposal, unveiled by the U.S. Postal Service in response to a March executive order from President Donald Trump, would create new requirements related to absentee ballot verification and tracking in some federal elections if ultimately adopted.
Under the proposal, states would be required to provide information identifying voters who have been issued absentee ballots, along with barcode data used to track those ballots through the mail system. Ballots that cannot be matched to information provided by election officials could be rejected.
Supporters argue the changes would strengthen election security by helping ensure absentee ballots are delivered only to eligible, registered voters. Critics contend the proposal could create new barriers for mail voting and raise concerns about voter privacy.
Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said the state would comply with any federal requirements that ultimately take effect but emphasized confidence in Oklahoma’s current election system.
“We have seen over the years through recounts and post-election audits that our voting system is very accurate and very reliable,” Ziriax told The Oklahoman.
The Postal Service opened a 30-day public comment period on the proposal after it was formally presented May 29.
The proposed rules stem from Trump’s ongoing push for tighter election-security measures. The president signed an executive order March 31 directing federal agencies to pursue changes aimed at verifying voter eligibility and citizenship in federal elections.
The debate comes as Oklahoma prepares for a major election cycle that includes races for governor and a U.S. Senate seat in November.
Oklahoma allows any registered voter to request an absentee ballot without providing a reason. Requests for absentee ballots in the June primary were due June 1.
More than 100,000 Oklahomans voted by mail in the 2024 general election, accounting for roughly 6% of all ballots cast statewide.
Trump has also backed proposals requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration and stricter voter-identification requirements, though those efforts have faced legal and legislative hurdles.
In August, Oklahoma voters are expected to decide a constitutional amendment that would place the state’s voter-identification requirements into the Oklahoma Constitution. Current law already requires voters to provide identification at polling places through approved forms of ID, a voter identification card or a signed affidavit accompanied by a provisional ballot.
Source: The Oklahoman
