OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed legislation on Monday to aid blind and visually impaired Oklahomans with absentee ballots.

Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, presented House Bill 1711 and explained the bill would give registered voters who are blind and visually impaired the option to request an absentee ballot delivered to them electronically.

“The right to vote is a fundamental right in our nation,” Hill said. “House Bill 1711 provides necessary options for registered voters who are blind and visually impaired to receive and cast their absentee ballot so that they can independently contribute to the democratic process.”

The bill stipulates that the absentee ballot would be filled out electronically, printed off and mailed with necessary documentation, including an affidavit, to their county election board. HB1711 also allows them to request assistance from another person to complete their electronic absentee ballot.

Oklahoma is home to approximately 138,000 blind and visually impaired Oklahomans.

HB1711 passed the floor 78-18 and now proceeds to the Senate, where it is authored by Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City.