House Bill No. 1678 amends Section 8-105 of the Oklahoma Statutes regarding election certifications, specifically addressing the procedures for resolving tie votes in elections. The bill modifies the existing process for selecting a nominee or electee in the event of a tie during Runoff Primaries, General Elections, or Primaries. Key changes include the requirement for the election board to conduct the selection by lot at a public meeting, with specific notification procedures for candidates, and the use of opaque containers for drawing names. The bill also clarifies that the meeting must occur on a weekday between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision stating that the outlined procedures do not apply to elections of state officers as specified in the Oklahoma Constitution. This amendment aims to streamline the process for tie votes while ensuring transparency and fairness in the election process. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.