What would Oklahoma State Question 834 do if passed?
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - Some Oklahomans did not recognize State Question 834 on their absentee ballot. So, what is it?
What is SQ 834?
According to Oklahoma.gov, SQ 834 would amend Section 1 of Article III of the State Constitution to specify that only citizens of the United States can vote in Oklahoma.
The change is slight, one word to be exact.
For example:
The current Constitution reads, "Subject to such exceptions as the Legislature may prescribe, all citizens of the United States, over the age of eighteen (18) years, who are bona fide residents of this state, are qualified electors of this state."
If SQ 834 is approved, the language would change from "all citizens" to "only citizens".
What does it mean?
According to Oklahoma Policy Institute, other states like Alabama, Louisiana, Colorado and Florida have made changes to the state constitutions to clarify that only citizens, and not non-citizens, can vote.
Basically, SQ 384 wouldn't change any laws or practices in Oklahoma, it would keep municipalities from letting non-citizen residents vote in local elections.
On a Federal level, it is already illegal for non-citizens to vote in U.S. elections.
Who cannot vote in Federal elections?
- Non-citizens, including permanent legal residents, cannot vote in federal, state, and most local elections.
- Some people cannot vote after being convicted of a felony or if they are currently serving time for other types of crimes. Rules are different in each state. Check this guide from vote.gov to understand the laws in your state.
- Some people who have a mental disability may not be able to vote. Learn about your voting rights. Rules vary by state.
- U.S. citizens residing in U.S. territories cannot vote for president in the general election.