Voters across the nation will head to the polls Tuesday to cast ballots in several local, state and federal races. Here’s some basic information about when to vote, where to vote and what names will be on the ballot.
EARLY VOTING
Early voting is open Wednesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Early voting is conducted at the Woods County Election Board office, 427 Barnes Ave., Suite 2, in downtown Alva. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Election Board officials can be reached at 580-327-1452 or by email at woodscounty@elections.ok.gov.
ELECTION DAY
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Lines are possible at peak voting times.
Wait times will likely be shortest mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Anyone in line to vote at 7 p.m. will be allowed to cast a ballot.
CHECKING
REGISTRATION
Those who need to look up their polling place or verify their registration can access the information on the Oklahoma State Election Board’s website: http://www.elections.ok.gov.
Those who vote by mail can also check the status of their ballots using the online voter tool.
Sample ballots are available at the county election board office and on the state website under the “voter tools” tab.
ID REQUIREMENTS
Oklahoma law requires every voter who votes in-person at the precinct polling place or during early voting at the county election board to show proof of identity before receiving a ballot.
There are three ways for voters to prove their identity under the law (only one form is required): a valid photo ID issued by a federal, state, or tribal government; the free voter identification card issued to every voter by the county election board; or a signed affidavit. (If the information on the affidavit matches official voter registration records, the ballot will be counted after Election Day.)
To obtain a new voter ID card, call 580-327-1452.
DISABLED VOTERS
Polling places have accommodations for: physically disabled voters who cannot enter the polling place; those who need help marking their ballots; blind or visually disabled voters; and illiterate voters.
A person providing assistance to voters must swear or affirm that the voter’s ballots will be marked in accordance with the voter’s wishes. Alternatively, all blind, visually impaired, and physically disabled voters in Woods County may use the audio-tactile interface.
For more information about voting rules and regulations, see the full version of this story on the Northwestern News website.