By Journalist Rose DeWeese (OSU)
ECU bill 501 presented by Representative Rosenberg pushes for Oklahoma voter participation and accessibility. This is to aid in low voter participation. It would allow non-English speakers to have easier access and have ballots available per request on the web site. Representative Liana Cavanaugh of ORU shared her thoughts,
“As she said there are a lot of statistics surrounding different voters and constituents who aren’t able to vote because of a lack of accessibility due to language constraints. I think it would really positively affect our state. I do think we are gonna add a few sections that include in person voting because having to jump through hoops makes you less inclined to actually go and vote,” (Cavanaugh).
Representative Allysa Donaldson of NW OSU said,
“I am in support of it. I do think it needs an amendment making sure that the language will be comprehensive to the people who will be reading it in their native language but other than that I think it’s a great bill.”
I would just propose that the translation must be done by either an expert in that language or a native speaker of that language to ensure that they understand how it is read,” (Donaldson).
Rosenberg was the first 0 star to pass a bill unanimously this session.
ECU bill 501 presented by representative Rosenberg passed 45 affirmative, 0 against.