"Our Oklahoma" - Getting Out the Vote

Statement

"Our Oklahoma" - Getting Out the Vote

The right to vote is the most basic, fundamental right Americans enjoy. When this country was founded, the idea that people could choose their leaders was a radical notion, but the success of the American experiment has since spread popular democracy around the globe.

Last November, many areas of the country saw record voter turnouts for the presidential election. That's great news after years of increasing voter apathy, but it was disturbing to hear the reports of long lines and discouraging waits.

Just as citizens have a duty to vote, elected officials have a responsibility to ensure the integrity of the voting process and make voting as convenient as possible. This legislative session, I've proposed extending early voting for a full week prior to Election Day.

A bill which would have implemented that proposal failed to get a committee hearing in the Senate, but I am hopeful that legislators will revisit this issue before the end of the legislative session.

Oklahoma already allows mail-in absentee voting and in-person voting on the Friday, Saturday and Monday prior to an election day, but many states offer more days of early voting than Oklahoma.

Increased opportunities to vote will ease congestion at polling sites and likely encourage more Oklahomans to become involved in the democratic process. It will make voting easier for those who have to arrange transportation or child care, or juggle busy schedules at work or at home.

Voting is a sacred right, but that doesn't mean the voting process needs to be difficult or inconvenient. It is in the best interest of our state that we encourage political participation; giving voters more options in choosing when to cast their ballots is a great way to do so.

Increased voting leads to a healthier and more vibrant democracy. State leaders should be making sure that every citizen has ample opportunity to take part in choosing their leaders and charting the course of Oklahoma's future.

If you have questions or comments, please write me at the Office of the Governor, Room 212, Oklahoma City OK 73105 or visit the "Contact the Governor" section of my website, www.governor.ok.gov.

Source