Oklahoma 'Voter ID'

Veritas Oklahoma talked to Heather Hope Hernández, President of the League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Tulsa, about the proof of identity law in Oklahoma, sometimes called the "Voter ID" law.

This legislation was contained in State Question 746, Legislative Referendum No. 347.  The question appeared on the ballot at the November 2, 2010, General Election, and it was approved by 74 percent of the votes cast.

Hope Hernández, explained that proof of identity is required by law in order to vote in Oklahoma. However, if a registered voter does not have a document to proof identity, he / she still may vote by provisional ballot.

Facts about Proof of Identity for Voting in Oklahoma

Every voter should show proof of identity before receiving a ballot.

A document used for proof of identity for voting must have been issued by the United States government, the State of Oklahoma, or a federally recognized tribal government. The document must contain the following information: the name of the person to whom it was issued, a photograph of the person to whom it was issued, an expiration date that is after the date of the election.

There are two exceptions: a State Identification card issued to a person 65 years of age or older does not have an expiration date but is, by law, a valid proof of identity for voting. In addition, voters may use the voter identification card they received by mail from the County Election Board when they registered to vote.  The law allows use of the voter identification card even though it does not include a photograph or an expiration date.