Tulsa County Election Board Prepares For 1st Election Of 2022

It’s election day across Green Country and many items are on the ballot including school board seats and new tax options for some districts. Tuesday is the first Election Day of 2022 and the polling places will be open from 7 a.m. through 7 p.m.

There are 222 precincts open across Tulsa County for people to cast their votes on various issues in their district. Board of Elections Secretary Gwen Freeman said some designated precincts have changed, so people should check where they need to go before they head to the polls. You can do so at OKVoterPortal.OKElections.us You can also check your registration status on that portal.

Tuesday’s ballots include a vote on multiple school board seats, special bonds, penny taxes, and more depending on where you live and are registered.

Freeman said last weeks' winter weather didn’t have an impact on early voting since many people still showed up those days to vote. She said more than 700 people have already early voted or turned in their absentee ballot.

Previous election numbers show on average only 4% to 7% of registered voters are expected to vote in local elections, compared to up to 80% in presidential elections.

“These local elections are the ones that really have an impact on your daily life and your community so you have to keep that in mind and show up at the polls because it does make a big big difference,” Freeman said.

Poll workers are tasked with making sure people maintain proper distance and the precincts don’t get too crowded, but Freeman said while it is good to give yourself some extra time just in case, you shouldn’t run into too long of a line.