By Patricia Pixler
Student Reporter
Mark your calendars: Nov. 6 is election day.
On the ballot for Oklahoma residents are the offices of governor and lieutenant governor, state offices, U.S. congressional seats, district attorneys and judges. Voters will also decide on education funding, whether the offices of governor and lieutenant governor should be on the same ticket, the possible creation of a new Oklahoma “rainy day” fund, a victim’s bill of rights and whether optometrists will be allowed in Walmart.
According to the Oklahoma State Election Board, as of Jan. 2018, 5,029 residents were registered to vote in Woods County. In Major County, the number of registered voters is 4,425. Woodward County has 11,307 registered voters while Garfield County, where Enid is located, has 30,750 registered voters.
How to vote?
The registration deadline to vote passed on Oct. 12 but those who are registered have time to find their poll locations. One way to do so is to call or visit the election board of the county in which you reside. In Alva, this is the Woods County Election Board. Their number is (580) 327-1452 and the board is located downtown at 410 4th Street Suite C. Look for the building labeled “Professional Building.”
Voters also have the option to access the Oklahoma Election Board website. The “Online Vote Tool” allows registered voters to enter their first and last name and birthdate to locate their polling location. The website also allows voters to confirm their voter registration, track absentee ballots and view a sample ballot.
Early voting may be completed at the Woods County Election Board office on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m..
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On Nov. 3, the hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Early voting is a way to get ahead of the crowds that happen during election day.
If not registered to vote in Woods County, absentee submissions by mail are due Nov. 6 no later than 7 p.m. to be counted.
The deadline to request a ballot expired on Oct. 31.
What to expect on Nov. 6?
Bring a state-issued driver’s license or identification card. It is law to show a government-issued photo to be able to vote. Be informed on what the issues are and who candidates are. If there are questions on how to complete the ballot, those at the poll locations are happy to assist with any questions.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 6 regardless of polling locations. This is to accommodate those who work and are otherwise occupied during normal business hours.
Why is it important to vote?
Significant issues are up for vote, such as the offices of Oklahoma governor and lieutenant governor. These two offices lead the direction Oklahoma will take for the next four years — and likely longer.
The attorneys, judges and other offices up to vote are essential to how the county and state is run. Each candidate will have their own agenda that may or may not align with your values.
Of particular tension in Oklahoma has been education funding. Marches swept the state earlier this year as the issue came to a head.
Up for debate on the Nov. 6 ballot is whether schools can reallot funding to build new structures.
Another tension is what to do with oil revenue and whether money should be put aside for the future in another emergency fund.
Do not like how the state is run? Take a stand and vote.
Want to protect how the state is run? Take a stand and vote.