Elections and Ethics

A measure modifying the dates for certain elections has successfully passed the House floor and is now one step closer to becoming law. Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, introduced  House Bill 2106  to increase voter participation in all elections while ensuring Oklahomans have plenty of opportunities to cast their votes. Under the current system, there are 12 possible election dates in odd-numbered years and seven in even-numbered years. House Bill 2106 streamlines this process by establishing five election days annually, scheduled in February, April, June, August and November. "House Bill 2106 is a common sense bill that streamlines our election calendar, reducing voter fatigue and making it easier for Oklahomans to participate in the voting process," Osburn said. "Consolidating elections not only helps keep voters engaged but also ensures a more efficient use of taxpayer dollars and maintains Oklahoma's election security." The bill ensures that major election dates, such as those in November, remain unchanged while reducing the number of special election dates. It preserves exceptions for special elections called by the governor and establishes clear guidelines for when additional elections can be scheduled. While the new structure would affect the timing of some special elections, propositions and candidate races, all other elections, including the absentee and early voting processes, would remain unaffected. HB2106 passed the House floor 92-0 and now moves to the Senate.

A measure modifying the dates certain elections may be held is now eligible for consideration on the House floor. Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, authored  House Bill 2106  to increase voter turnout for all elections while ensuring voters have ample opportunity to have their voices heard at the ballot box. Under current law, there are 12 possible election dates in odd-numbered years and seven possible dates in even-numbered years. HB2106 provides for five election days in every year to be held in February, April, June, August and November.  "House Bill 2106 is a commonsense reform that helps combat voter fatigue by streamlining our election calendar," Osburn said. "Part of the reason we have low voter turnout is because we have too many elections. By reducing the number of low-turnout elections, we make it easier for Oklahomans to participate in the democratic process while also ensuring a more efficient and cost-effective system. This bill is a win for voters, a win for election integrity and a win for fiscal responsibility."   HB2106 ensures major election dates remain in the months where they have traditionally been held while reducing the number of special election dates. The bill maintains exceptions for special elections called by the governor and outlines specific circumstances for additional election dates, specifying when they can be held.  Currently, special elections, propositions and candidate races scheduled for these specific dates would be affected. All other elections, as well as the absentee and early voting processes, would remain unaffected. HB2106 passed the House Government Oversight Committee 12-4 and may now be considered on the House floor.

Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, has again filed legislation to change the date of school board elections in Oklahoma. If passed, House Bill 1151 would move school board elections to the same cycle as House and Senate elections, as well as modify term lengths for school board members by making both elementary district boards and independent district boards four-year terms. Under state statute, school districts must reimburse county election boards for all costs of school board elections. In 2023, these elections cost Oklahoma school districts a combined $16.8 million, taxpayer funds Banning said could go toward other purposes. "This bill is simple—it repurposes millions of dollars for our amazing educators while providing a more accurate representation of community standards at the polling place," Banning said. Under HB1151, these elections would move to the same schedule as legislative elections, which are held in June and November. Currently, school board elections are held in February and April. Banning said there are many examples of very low voter turnout in these elections. He pointed out the April 2024 election to fill Union Public Schools Board seat for Zone 4, which only 146 people voted in. Last year, Banning ran a nearly identical measure, House Bill 3563, which passed the House Elections and Ethics Committee but was not heard on the House floor. HB1151 will be eligible for consideration in the upcoming legislative session, which begins Mon., Feb. 3.