Sooner State News

Sen. James Lankford has announced in a Facebook statement that he will be joining a group of senators to propose an electoral commission. 

"Modeled on the commission formed in 1877, to resolve the electoral issues of the election of 1876 when three states, Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina, had reports of voter fraud. The 1877 commission comprised of five Senators, five members from the House, and five Supreme Court Justices quickly organized to evaluate the election and make a recommendation to provide the nation a way to resolve the issues before the inauguration. The commission we are proposing would be required to meet and complete their audit within 10 days, before the January 20 inauguration,” read the statement.

He went to highlight the intent of the proposed commission.

“This proposal is not designed to thwart the democratic process. It is designed to protect it. Everyone should see the division currently in the nation, and we all should have an interest in providing a path to resolution. People want answers to their questions. 

Lankford went on to state that he would accept any outcome, as long as it comes after the electoral commission’s thorough audit.

This is not a first, in 1969 and 2005, senators raised voter integrity issues during the Jan. 6 Joint Session of Congress. The debate resulted in reforms of elections to be implemented in future elections. Congress will this Wednesday vote on whether to certify the Nov. 3 election. It is the only remaining constitutional power that can consider and force resolution of multiple allegations of voter fraud.