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Oklahoma
State Senate
Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105
For Immediate Release: March 14, 2012
Sen. Ralph Shortey
Shortey wins approval for bill requiring presidential candidates
to present ID The Senate today approved legislation that would require candidates
in presidential primaries to provide proof of identity and eligibility
to hold office.
Sen. Ralph Shortey, author of Senate Bill 1569, said critics of
similar legislation filed last year claimed the measure was an attempt
to capitalize on criticism of President Barack Obama, but his proposal
is a matter of common sense reform.
“Even in the absence of any controversy, this is a proposal
that makes good sense,” Shortey said. “We require people
to present ID to board a plane, use credit cards, purchase alcohol
and tobacco and even to enter certain buildings. Requiring candidates
for public office to prove their identity is not a hardship –
it’s common sense.”
SB 1569 would require candidates in presidential primaries to present
to the Election Board photo identification and proof that they satisfy
all requirements for office.
“Given that we require Oklahoma voters to provide proof of
identity when they vote, it only makes sense we ask the same of
candidates when they file for office,” said Shortey, R-Oklahoma
City. “As a believer in federalism, I think it is important
that states have the ability to fully vet candidates and ensure
they satisfy all requirements for eligibility. This is simply an
effort to preserve the integrity of the election process.”
For more information, contact:
Sen. Shortey: (405) 521-5557
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