Oklahomans who aren’t quite old enough to vote will be able to pre-register up to six months before their 18th birthday under a bill that has sailed through the Senate.
The Senate voted unanimously this week for the bill that extends the pre-registration period from 60 days to six months. Voters would still have to turn 18 before Election Day, but the bill’s sponsor says the idea is to make sure as many young people as possible are ready to cast their first vote.
Oklahoma has had poor voter participation in recent years, but the turnout for the Nov. 6 general election was the highest for a gubernatorial election in 20 years. Senate Bill 496 now heads to the House for consideration.