November 1, 2020, OklahomaWatch.org
With the number of commutations on the rise, Thompson and State Sen. George Young, D-Oklahoma City, say they’ve asked the State Election Board and attorney general’s office to clarify if commutation recipients must serve out their original sentence before being eligible to vote. So far, Young says neither agency has provided a clear answer.
“I can’t get anyone to answer these questions for me,” he said. “I’m scared to death to tell those individuals to go and register.”
In an email, State Election Board Spokesperson Misha Morr said the agency can’t advise people on whether or not they’re eligible to vote, and they should contact an attorney if unsure.
New legislation would likely be needed to restore voting rights to commutation recipients, as well as others who are discharged from state supervision early, Young said. He hopes to discuss the matter during the next legislative session, though he says it could be difficult to convince some tough-on-crime legislators that the state’s voting laws need updating.
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