Audit Laws
State Summary
Oklahoma’s audit statute, enacted in 2019, authorizes but does not require the Secretary of the State Election Board to direct the secretary of a county election board to conduct a post-election audit of election results. The method, timing and procedures for conducting a post-election audit shall be determined by the Secretary of the State Election Board. These procedures are not outlined in statute.
Unless otherwise specified, statutory references are to OK Stat § 26-3-130.
Voting Systems Used
As of 2020, Oklahoma primarily uses hand marked paper ballots and optical scanners in polling places statewide, with paperless DRE voting machines for accessibility. For the most up to date information please visit Verified Voting’s Verifier.
For an explanation on the types of voting equipment used, click here.
Audit Comprehensiveness
The method, timing and procedures for conducting a post-election audit shall be determined by the Secretary of the State Election Board. The post-election audit shall be conducted only at the direction of the Secretary of the State Election Board and only subject to the Secretary’s previously promulgated policies, rules or procedures.
Transparency
The secretary of a county election board shall report the findings of a post-election audit to the Secretary of the State Election Board, and such report shall be available to the public. No further information is provided as to whether the public has a right to observe or participate in the auditing process or verify ballot markings.
Audit Counting Method
The method, timing and procedures for conducting a post-election audit shall be determined by the Secretary of the State Election Board. The post-election audit shall be conducted only at the direction of the Secretary of the State Election Board and only subject to the Secretary’s previously promulgated policies, rules or procedures.
Type Of Audit Units
No statutory guidance is provided on this matter.
Contests & Issues Audited
No statutory guidance is provided on this matter.
Addressing Discrepancies
No statutory guidance is provided on this matter.
For recount laws, see Citizens for Election Integrity Minnesota website.
Timeline
The timing of the audit shall be determined by the Secretary of the State Election Board.
Binding On Official Outcomes
Statute does not specify whether audit results are binding.
Oversight & Conduct
The Secretary of the State Election Board oversees the audit while the county election boards conduct the audit.
Ballot Protection
The county election board shall not disturb anything in the transfer case, and the case shall remain sealed and retained by the secretary of the county election board until opened by court order, at which time the ballots shall be destroyed. The county election board shall not share storage space (where ballots, voter registration records or election equipment) unless authorized by the Secretary of the State Election Board. For more information see, Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 26, § 2-121 and Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 26, § 7-134.
Additional Targeted Samples
No statutory guidance is provided on this matter.