(Oklahoma City, OK) Oklahoma will turn its attention to primaries at the end of the month, the process will be different as a result of COVID-19. Here is what to expect during the voting process on June 30th.
Voter registration
This Friday is the last day to register or alter registration before the primary election.
You can download the application form from the State Election Board’s website.
Voter registration applications also are available at post offices, tag agencies and county election boards. Registered voters can update their registration through the State Election Board’s OK Voter portal.
Registered voters have until June 23 to request an absentee ballot. Any Oklahoma voter can opt to vote absentee, although they may be asked why they are requesting a ballot by mail.
Voting In-person
The State Election Board and the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center crafted safety protocols for in-person voting as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
At polling places, voting booths will be spaced at least six feet apart — a measure health experts say mitigates the spread of COVID-19. Those waiting to vote will also be asked to remain six feet apart. Poll workers are asked to keep their distance from voters and each other.
State election and health officials “strongly recommend” voters and election workers wear a cloth face mask to the polls.
Protocols issued by the State Election Board also outline steps election workers should take on Election Day to disinfect common surfaces and election equipment.
Absentee voting
State and county election officials have seen an influx of people requesting absentee ballots this year, likely due to the global pandemic.
More than 66,000 absentee ballots have been sent to voters so far for the 2020 primary election, said State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax. For comparison, there were 29,299 absentee mail votes cast for State Question 788, which legalized medical marijuana, ahead of the 2018 Oklahoma primary election.
“Many county election boards have reported seeing an increase in the number of absentee ballot requests,” Ziriax said.
Absentee voters must either have their ballot notarized or include a copy of a valid form of identification when the ballot is mailed back.
Valid forms of identification include those issued by the state, like a driver’s license or voter identification card. Tribal or armed forces photo ID are also acceptable. Only the front of the ID must be copied.
The Metropolitan Library System is offering free ID copies for absentee voters.
Many banks and tag agencies offer notary services. Oklahoma notaries cannot charge for notarizing ballots. A full list of notaries can be found at the secretary of state’s website.
Absentee ballots returned by mail must be received by June 30. Ballots returned in-person to your county election board must be received by June 29.
A recent change in law expanded the definition of those who qualify as “physically incapacitated” voters who may have their absentee ballot verified by two witnesses in lieu of notarization. Those who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are in quarantine, those who have symptoms of COVID-19 and those who are at higher risk of severe illness and have been deemed “safer at home” by Gov. Kevin Stitt could qualify as “physically incapacitated” absentee voters.
Early voting
Oklahoma voters can opt to vote early at their county election board.
Early voting will occur:
• From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, June 25
• From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, June 26
• From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 27
