The proposal would not create a new voter ID law. Oklahoma already requires voters to verify their identity before casting a ballot under a law approved by voters through State Question 746 in 2010. Instead, State Question 846 would make the voter identification requirement part of the state constitution, where future changes would require voter approval.
Key Takeaways
- State Question 846 would place Oklahoma’s voter identification requirement into the state constitution.
- Oklahoma voters already must provide proof of identity under a law approved through State Question 746 in 2010.
- The new proposal does not define acceptable identification, leaving those details to the Oklahoma Legislature.
- Supporters say the amendment strengthens election integrity, while opponents argue it duplicates existing law.
What Would State Question 846 Do?
If approved, State Question 846 would require voters to provide proof of identity when voting in Oklahoma elections. The amendment itself would not define acceptable forms of identification. Instead, it would require the Oklahoma Legislature to establish those requirements through state law, which means they could be different from the existing requirements.
The language as it will appear on the ballot reads:
“This measure adds a new section 6 to article 3 of the Oklahoma Constitution to require proof of identity to vote in any election authorized by law and conducted by a county election board or the State Election Board. The measure requires proof of identity for all authorized methods of voting. The measure requires the Legislature to enact laws to specify requirements for proof of identity for voting. The measure will not have a fiscal impact.”
The state question will appear on the August 25 ballot alongside the Primary Runoff Elections.
Current Oklahoma Voter ID Law:
Oklahoma law already requires voters to verify their identity before voting. Under the current law established by State Question 746, acceptable identification generally must:
- Match the voter’s registration name.
- Include a photograph.
- Be issued by the U.S. government, the State of Oklahoma, or a federally recognized Native American tribe.
Acceptable forms of ID include:
- Oklahoma driver’s license
- Oklahoma Identification Card
- United States passport
- United States military identification
Current law also allows election board-issued voter registration cards to serve as identification even though they do not include a photograph or expiration date. A bill was created in 2025, to add photo requirements to Oklahoma voter registration cards, but that bill will have to be reintroduced in another session.
Mail and absentee voters verify their identity through the state’s notarization requirements.
Related Story: How Do I Register To Vote In Oklahoma? Do I Need To Show ID?
Background on Voter ID Law
Oklahoma voters approved State Question 746 in 2010 with 74.3% of the vote. The measure took effect in July 2011 and established Oklahoma’s current voter identification requirement in state law.
Unlike statutes, constitutional amendments generally require approval from Oklahoma voters before they can be changed. The law was met with lawsuits in the years after its passage, but the law was upheld in court.
