New law signed to restore voter rights for people granted a pardon or commutation to time served

Bill signed into law restoring voter rights for people granted a pardon or commutation to time served

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 16th) – HB 1629 was signed into law earlier this week. It restores voter rights for people convicted of a felony who have received a commutation or a pardon to time served. It also restores voter rights for those who have had their sentence discharged or reclassified as a misdemeanor to time served.

OK Legislative Black Caucus opposes Electoral College objection by Lankford, others

Black Caucus Opposes Electoral Objection by Lankford, Others

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 5th, 2021) -- The Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus strongly opposes objections to the certification of the Electoral College count by at least 13 Republican senators, including Oklahoma Senator James Lankford,  140 Republican members of the US Congress, including Oklahoma’s  Reps. Kevin Hern and Markwayne Mullin.

“All fair votes of the people should count and not be overthrown,” said State Rep. Regina Goodwin, chair of the Oklahoma Black Caucus. “Democracy should not be destroyed. President-elect Biden and Vice-President-elect Harris won. Despicable lies do not prove otherwise.”

Two months since and numerous lawsuits later, there has been no evidence presented that would change the outcome of the November election.

“Why aren’t these same Republicans investigating President Trump’s intentional interference with the fair performance of duties of Georgia state election officials?” Goodwin asked. “We have state and federal laws against the false finding of votes and the flagrant flipping of elections as demanded by President Trump.”

Rep. Young (D) endorses Sen. Holt (R) for OKC Mayor

State Representative and Community Leader George Young Endorses David Holt for OKC Mayor

JUNE 12, 2017 --  Following the decision by Mayor Mick Cornett not to seek re-election, Oklahoma House Representative George Young publicly declared his exploration of a mayoral candidacy. Last week, Young announced he will instead seek election to the Oklahoma Senate in 2018. Today, he is announcing that he is endorsing David Holt to be the next Mayor of Oklahoma City.

"After considering a run myself for Oklahoma City Mayor and receiving great encouragement to do that, I have decided to pursue a different path and run for the Oklahoma Senate," said Young. "But I am still passionate about the future of Oklahoma City, and that is why I am endorsing David Holt to be the next Mayor. He is the best candidate. I have worked alongside David in the Legislature, and I know him to be someone who cares about many of the things I care about. I also know from his record of service that he will work hard to include all parts of our city in major decisions, and that's important to me. David and I both envision a strong working relationship in our future roles, and we will collaborate to move all of Oklahoma City forward.”

"George Young is someone I greatly respect and admire," said Holt. "There is probably no one more universally loved by his fellow legislators, and that affection comes from both sides of the aisle. I am deeply grateful that George believes in my campaign and is willing to give it his public support. George will be someone I turn to in the years ahead for advice and counsel. I am also very excited he is seeking election to the Senate, where we always need strong voices fighting for Oklahoma City."

Young is serving his second term in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, and he is seeking election to Senate District 48 in 2018. Prior to his elected service, he was a prominent pastor in Oklahoma City, and also actively served as a community volunteer. Young served on the board of the American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma, the board of United Way of Greater Oklahoma City, and as commissioner for the Department of Human Services. Young is also a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma and Leadership Oklahoma City. Additionally, he has been nationally recognized for his legislative leadership from the Council of State Governments and the Southern Legislative Conference.

Young's endorsement of Holt continues the momentum of Holt's candidacy, which launched out of the gate with 450 bipartisan endorsements from across OKC, followed by subsequent announcements of support from Oklahoma City's firefighters and former OU football coach Barry Switzer. The election to choose Oklahoma City's next Mayor will be held February 13, 2018. For more information about David Holt's campaign for Mayor, visit holtformayor.com.