A long-awaited update to Oklahoma’s campaign finance filing software is set to go live this week. 

The Guardian 2.0 system will launch by Wednesday, according to the Oklahoma Ethics Commission. Among the improvements are a mobile-friendly user interface and capability to host local campaign finance reports, which currently are only accessible in-person in some jurisdictions. Senate Bill 890, enacted in May, gave the Ethics Commission exclusive authority over most county and municipal campaign finance reporting. 

Documents from the Guardian system have aided in several Oklahoma Watch stories, including reports on dark money spending and soaring campaign debt. 

The old Guardian system, which launched in 2014, has been offline since Sept. 19 as staff prepare to launch the revamped version. 

“We are taking the time necessary to ensure a smooth and secure transition to Guardian 2.0,”  Ethics Commission Executive Director Lee Anne Bruce Boone said in a written statement. “This new system will enhance transparency, improve user experience, and better support the campaign finance process moving forward.”

Unlike the previous system, users will have to create an account in order to access filings. Multiple log-in options, including through Google and Apple, will be available. 

The Ethics Commission has scheduled five in-person and virtual training sessions for October. For more information, click here. 

Thoughts, questions or story ideas? You can reach me at Kross@Oklahomawatch.org. 

— Keaton Ross

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