By Jaiya Brown, FOX23 News
Federal election monitors are expected at polling locations in three Oklahoma counties on Election Day, prompting questions and concern from some state and local leaders who say they did not request federal oversight and worry the added presence could discourage people from voting.
The issue was discussed at a meeting led by state Sen. Regina Goodwin focused on voting rights and the upcoming election. Leaders at the meeting questioned why monitors are being sent to Oklahoma, arguing the state already has safeguards in place to protect elections.
Goodwin said officials have sought clarification about what the monitors will be allowed to do.
“We have asked will these folks be armed we’re told no, we’ve asked will they be allowed into the polling places and we’ve been told no. Now according to law, we know they should not be. But again, not many folks are following laws these days,” Goodwin said.
The U.S. Department of Justice says the monitors are coming to observe compliance with federal voting rights laws in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Muskogee counties on Nov. 3.
Goodwin questioned the need for monitors under that explanation.
“I think that’s pretty curious because if you are observing compliance that means you are already being compliant so there’s really nothing to observe,” she said.
Some at the meeting said they worry the monitors’ presence could become another reason for people to stay home in a state that already struggles with voter turnout. In the 2024 general election, about 53.5 percent of Oklahoma’s voting-eligible population cast a ballot.
Tulsa attorney Tim Gilpin said federal voting rights laws were designed to protect access to the ballot, but he believes the current situation could have the opposite effect.
“These laws were put in place to encourage voting and to make sure there weren’t any impediments to voting. To make sure that the states did what they were supposed to do. This is the first time in American history that we’ve had monitors come out that potentially are there to see what impediments they can put in place so that folks can’t vote or that they’re intimidated from voting. Now that’s brand new in American history, and that’s not so much fair,” Gilpin said.
Tulsa resident and voting advocate Margaret Love said she is especially concerned about how the monitors’ presence could affect people who already feel uncomfortable around law enforcement, including some with past encounters with the justice system.
“all of this will make them think I don’t need to. Even our older people say, “What am I voting for now?” I’m through. I’m through. But no, we have to continue. If you want something to happen, you got to be a part of it. And my philosophy is, let’s go do it. Let’s get out and go and do our best, and then you can say I done my best,” Love said.
Despite the concerns, leaders said they do not want people to walk away from the polls and are encouraging voters to know their rights and feel confident exercising them.
The Terrence Crutcher Foundation will provide rides to the election board and polling locations to help people get out and vote. Leaders also encouraged voters to take advantage of early voting, especially if they would prefer to avoid the possibility of encountering federal monitors on Nov. 3.
