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.