Voters in Oklahoma’s deep red weigh Medicaid expansion as virus cases rise

Supporters of the Medicaid expansion in Oklahoma argue that the program would provide desperately needed federal support for the state’s rural hospitals, which have suffered greatly due to a drop in elective procedures after the coronavirus emerged. Since 2016, six of the state’s hospitals have closed and another eight have filed for bankruptcy.

“We just can’t afford” not to expand coverage, said Emily Virgin, Democratic leader of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, a Democrat.

The result of the Oklahoma ballot measure measure will be closely watched in Missouri, where voters on August 4 will also vote for Medicaid expansion in their state. Gov. Mike Parson, a Republican facing re-election in November, strongly opposes the ballot measure. Organizers of the Missouri ballot measure have similarly focused their messages on the plight of state hospitals, particularly those in rural areas. Ten hospitals have closed in Missouri since 2014, according to the state hospital association.

“It’s about making sure that Missouri residents can access health care in their communities,” said Jack Cardetti, spokesman for the group behind the voting initiative.

Supporters of the expansion are also watching how Oklahoma’s rising rates of coronavirus infection affect voting. The state board of elections advises, but does not require, that poll workers and voters wear masks. Voting by mail is also widely allowed, but electoral law experts said state requirements that they be notarized or come with a copy of the government-issued ID could depress participation, particularly in low-income communities that are would directly benefit from expansion.

“Unless you can fill out the ballot on your kitchen table and put it in the mailbox, anything more than that will be more difficult,” said Joseph Anthony, a visiting assistant professor at Oklahoma State University who specializes in elections and rights. vote. “All of these things are onerous.”

Jan Largent, president of the state League of Women Voters, said the usual number of absentee ballots has been requested four times for the June 30 vote, when the state’s primary elections are also being held.

“People are determined to go out and vote for 802,” he said, referring to the question number on the ballot.