Rep. Murphey: Can observers from the United Nations watch Oklahoma elections

Since it is the Presidential election year, I wanted to answer a question that I have received regarding the election process. I suspect that if one person is curious to the point that he emails then there are probably several individuals who have the exact same question but who haven’t yet emailed.

One writer asked if Oklahoma elections could be monitored by an observer from organizations affiliated with the United Nations. This question was prompted during the last presidential election after a news stories reported that observers with a UN affiliated organization known as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) would be observing elections at locations throughout the United States.

Considering the controversies and interest in this year’s election, I certainly expect to see similar reports during the next few weeks.

Here’s the answer.

Oklahoma’s poll watching law does not have a provision for allowing an observer to watch voters as they vote.

However, there is a provision to allow a poll watcher to observe the setting up and breaking down of the poll equipment.

In order to qualify as a poll watcher, an individual must be appointed by either a candidate for office or a political party. On the morning of election day, prior to the opening of the precinct, the watcher may observe the setup of the polling machine and take note of the starting serial numbers on the ballots to be issued. He then must leave the precinct before voting commences. Watchers are not allowed to remain at the polling place during voting hours.

After 7 p.m., when the polling place closes, the watcher may return to the precinct and verify the ending serial numbers of each ballot book.

I do not believe there is any provision of law that would allow observers to enter into a polling location during voting hours.

And, unless a watcher receives an appointment from either a candidate or one of the three recognized political parties, I simply don’t see how there would be a legal mechanism for an observer to enter an Oklahoma polling location before or after the precinct closes: regardless of that observer’s standing with the United nations.

In short, I do not believe UN observers would have any legal standing to enter into a precinct and to watch you vote. Perhaps they could observe from afar, from outside of the precinct but that’s about the extent of it.

I am always happy to answer questions such as this. Please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] with your questions.

Thank you for reading this article. Your interest and input are much appreciated. Please do not hesitate to email [email protected] with your thoughts and suggestions.

Sincerely,