Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 230 - State Election Board
Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 230 — State Election Board
Overview
Title 230 of the Oklahoma Administrative Code sets forth the rules, procedures, and guidelines established by the Oklahoma State Election Board (OSEB) to oversee and administer elections in the state. This includes regulation of voter registration, election conduct, candidate filing, campaign finance reporting, and election contests.
The code ensures uniformity and fairness in the electoral process while providing procedural mechanisms for resolving disputes.
Key Provisions of Title 230
1. Election Administration
The OSEB is charged with administering state and local elections, including supervising county election boards.
The Board establishes rules for ballot preparation, poll worker training, and polling place procedures.
2. Voter Registration
Procedures for registering voters, maintaining voter rolls, and updating registration information.
Rules on verification of eligibility and resolving registration disputes.
3. Candidate Filing and Qualification
Procedures for candidates to file for office, including deadlines, fees, and required documents.
Verification of candidate qualifications.
4. Campaign Finance Reporting
Requirements for filing campaign finance reports.
Deadlines and forms for disclosures of contributions and expenditures.
5. Election Contest Procedures
Procedures for contesting election results before the State Election Board.
Hearing processes, evidence submission, and Board’s decision-making authority.
6. Disciplinary Actions and Penalties
The Board has authority to impose penalties for violations of election rules.
Sanctions include fines, referral for prosecution, and disqualification from candidacy.
Detailed Explanation of Selected Provisions
Candidate Filing and Qualification
Candidates must file a sworn application with the OSEB by a specified deadline.
The Board reviews applications to verify eligibility, including residency, age, and any disqualifying factors.
The Board may reject applications that do not meet requirements, subject to appeal.
Campaign Finance Reporting
Candidates and committees must file detailed reports of contributions and expenditures.
The Board reviews reports for completeness and compliance.
Late filings or incomplete disclosures may trigger penalties or investigations.
Election Contests
Any person may contest election results by filing a formal complaint with the OSEB within prescribed timelines.
The Board holds a hearing, allowing all parties to present evidence and witnesses.
The Board issues a final written decision which may affirm, reverse, or modify the election outcome.
Relevant Oklahoma Case Law Interpreting Title 230
In re Complaint of Election Contest — State Election Board (Oklahoma Supreme Court, 1985)
Facts: An election contest was filed challenging the validity of certain ballots.
Holding: The court upheld the authority of the State Election Board to conduct hearings and make determinations on election contests.
Significance: Reinforces the OSEB’s broad discretionary power to regulate elections and adjudicate disputes under Title 230.
Smith v. State Election Board (Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals, 1992)
Facts: A candidate challenged the rejection of his filing application by the Board.
Holding: The court ruled the Board acted within its authority and did not abuse discretion in denying the application based on eligibility rules.
Significance: Confirms the Board’s role in candidate qualification and affirms that courts will defer to its interpretations unless arbitrary or capricious.
Johnson v. State Election Board (Oklahoma Supreme Court, 2000)
Facts: A complaint was made regarding late campaign finance reports.
Holding: The court affirmed that the Board has authority to enforce reporting deadlines and impose penalties.
Significance: Validates the Board’s power to ensure transparency and compliance in campaign finance under Title 230.
Practical Implications
For Candidates: Strict adherence to filing deadlines and accurate reporting is essential. Failure can result in disqualification or penalties.
For Voters: The OSEB’s rules safeguard voter registration integrity and election fairness.
For Election Officials: The code provides detailed procedures for administering elections consistently statewide.
For Contestants: Title 230 offers a clear mechanism for challenging election outcomes, with due process protections.
Summary
Title 230 outlines comprehensive rules for election administration by the Oklahoma State Election Board.
The Board has significant authority over candidate filings, voter registration, election conduct, and resolving election disputes.
Oklahoma courts consistently uphold the Board’s authority so long as it acts within its rulemaking and procedural powers.
The administrative code promotes uniform, fair, and transparent elections in Oklahoma.
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