Oklahoma Voter registration online

Q: How does Senate Bill 313 change the process for registering to vote in Oklahoma?

A: The legislation, signed into law April 15 by Gov. Mary Fallin, permits Oklahoma residents to register to vote electronically. An eligible voter will be able to go to the State Election Board website ( fill out a voter registration form and submit it online. The law becomes effective Nov. 1.

Steven G. Heinen

A shareholder with the law firm of GableGotwals

Q: What other registration methods are available in Oklahoma?
A: Currently, a hard copy of the voter registration form must be submitted to the state or county election board by mail or in person. Voter registration forms can be accessed on the State Election Board website. Paper copies are also available at post offices, public libraries, tag agencies, county election boards and certain other government agencies.

Q: What are the requirements for registering to vote electronically? Are they different than registering through a traditional method?

A: The current requirements for registering to vote remain the same: one must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Oklahoma and 18 or older. The only additional requirements for registering electronically are that one must have a valid Oklahoma driver’s license or ID card and must register at the same address shown on the license or ID card.

Q: How does the new legislation address the signature requirement for voter registration forms?
A: By submitting a voter registration form electronically, applicants consent to the use of their driver’s license or ID card signatures for voter registration purposes.

Q: What does the new legislation mean when it stipulates that a person must be a “qualified elector” to become a registered voter?
A: Under the Oklahoma Constitution, any person who is a U.S. citizen, 18 or older and a bona fide resident of Oklahoma is a “qualified elector.”