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 by updating statutory language and clarifying the roles of election officials and candidates during the selection of a nominee or electee by lot. Key changes include the requirement for the election board to notify candidates of the tie vote selection meeting, the use of opaque containers for drawing names, and the stipulation 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 for resolving tie votes do not apply to elections of state officers as specified in the Oklahoma Constitution. This exception aims to streamline the election process for state-level positions while maintaining transparency and fairness in local elections. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.