By CORKY HALL
Registered voters who live within Alva city limits will vote in a special mayoral election on Tuesday at polling locations across the city beginning at 7 a.m.
Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Only voters whose registration address falls within Alva city limits are eligible to participate.
The election is being held to fill an unexpired mayoral term after the previous mayor, Kelly Parker, resigned before completing the term. In March, he will take over as city manager. An interim mayor, council President Greg Bowman, was appointed to serve until voters could elect a replacement.
According to the Woods County Election Board, the county currently has 4,955 registered voters. However, turnout for city-only elections is typically much lower than in statewide races.
In the April 2025 city election, only 545 voters cast ballots. By comparison, 3,639 voters participated in the November 2024 general election, which included federal, state and local races.
Woods County Election Board Secretary Holly Blevins said voter eligibility depends not only on registration address, but also on county residency.
“This election is specific to the city of Alva,” Blevins said. “If you live in Woods County but outside the city limits, you will not be eligible to vote.”
The voter registration deadline for the Feb. 10 election passed on Jan. 23. However, voters can confirm their registration status, polling location and district information through the Oklahoma Voter Portal or by contacting the Woods County Election Board office.
Voters are required to bring a valid form of identification when voting. Acceptable forms include a state-issued photo ID or a voter identification card, which may be obtained from the Woods County Election Board office.
As of Dec. 2025, Woods County had 4,999 registered voters. Blevins expects strong participation in the mayoral election due to high community interest.
For official and up-to-date information, voters may contact the Woods County Election Board by phone, the Facebook page or using the Oklahoma Voter Portal.
Election results will be certified on Feb. 13, after which the newly elected mayor may be sworn in at the next city council meeting.