Oklahoma court upholds constitutionality of voter ID law

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – An Oklahoma judge has upheld the state's voter ID law as residents begin early voting for next week's primary runoff.

Attorneys for a Tulsa voter who challenged the law said Thursday they will appeal a ruling by Oklahoma County Judge Aletia Haynes Timmons that upheld a law requiring voters to prove their identity before they vote.

Voter Delilah Christine Gentges sued the Oklahoma State Election Board in 2012 after voters approved the measure in a statewide election in 2010. The statute went into effect in July 2011.

The law requires voters to present a valid photo identification card from the state, tribal or federal government before they can vote. The lawsuit alleges the law raises "a new barrier" for Oklahoma voters.

Early voting began Thursday for Tuesday's primary runoff elections.

Blackwell School District has a school bond election Tuesday, and there is a runoff for District 19 for State Senator Ross VanHooser and Roland Pederson. There are no other elections set in Kay County for Tuesday.