OKLAHOMA CITY –Legislation protecting Oklahoma voters from fraud at the ballot box passed the House Monday.

House Bill 2956 would require voters to show photo identification before casting a ballot.

Rep. Sue Tibbs (R-Tulsa), author of the legislation, said the change is needed to prevent voter fraud and ensure only those eligible are voting:

We have to do everything we can to make sure every Oklahoman has confidence that their vote will count. There are people who don't believe in our voting system anymore. This bill does not prevent anyone who is eligible to vote from casting a ballot.

If a voter does not have a photo ID when they show up to vote, the legislation allows an Oklahoman to cast a ballot if they sign a sworn statement swearing or affirming that they are the person identified on the official precinct registry.

Trebor Worthen (R-OKC):

A good number of Oklahomans lack confidence in our voting system and doubt that our process has integrity. We aren't depriving anybody of the right to vote by passing this legislation, but we are instilling more confidence in the system.

The bill passed the House with a vote of 55-42 and will next be considered in the Senate.

Labels: Re. Sue Tibbs, Rep. Trebor Worthen