6 Things To Know Before Election Day

Election Day is nearly here and there and we have collected some helpful reminders that may be helpful before you head out to vote.

2.4 million people are registered to vote in Oklahoma and while everyone may not make it to the polls on Election Day, the state of Oklahoma's Election has worked hard to make sure people have all the information that they need to exercise their right.

1) Early Voting In Oklahoma

Early Voting in Oklahoma begins Oct. 30-Nov. with polls open between 8a-6p Wednesday-Friday.

It is important to note that county election boards may designate a different polling place than the one assigned to your registration. Find information on where to vote early in each county at the State Election Board website.

2) Finding Your Polling Place

The Oklahoma State Election Board is a great resource when it comes to election questions. You can find your polling place and get sample ballots by searching for your registration. News On 6 has a detailed guide on How to Register to Vote In Oklahoma

3) Time Off To Vote

By law, employers must allow employees, who are registered to vote, up to two hours of time to vote either on Election Day or during early voting periods. According to Election Board Officials, there are some stipulations to law.

1. An employee must work at such a distance that extended time off would be necessary to vote.
2. Time off for voting can only be granted upon oral or written request, which must be made at least three days before the day in which the voter intends to be absent.
3. The employer may select the day(s) and/or hour(s) the employee may use to vote.
4. Time off will not be granted to employees if a three-hour voting period exists before or after the employee’s normal working hours.
5. Employers may alter an employee’s work schedule to accommodate voting hours.

4) How To Fill Out An Absentee Ballot

The deadline to request an absentee ballot in Oklahoma expired on Oct 21 but there is still time to submit your ballot if you have it. Remember, absentee ballots must be received by your county election board no later than 7 p.m. on Election Night (Nov.5)

Muskogee County Election Board Secretary Kelly Beach said it’s important for voters to follow the included instructions, to avoid the chance they might be rejected once the mail is opened. There is no mechanism for Oklahoma voters to correct, or “cure” absentee ballots that arrive with incomplete information.

“The voter needs to print their name at the top, and then sign it down here at the bottom,” said Beach, who emphasized the importance of properly filling out the yellow envelope marked “affidavit” that’s included in the packet. It must be signed by the voter, in the presence of a notary, and the notary date must match the date written by the voter. Any deviation results in the ballot being disqualified.

You Can Find A Notary Here

5) Don't Forget Your ID

By Oklahoma State Law, every person who votes in person must show proof of identity before receiving a ballot at their polling precinct. If you are voting early or voting absentee, you will need to show your ID to your County Election Board.

As mentioned above a Voter Identification Card will be mailed to your provided address after you register. If lost a replacement can be requested through the Online Voter Registration System

A Voter ID Card is one of the options that voters can provide including:

1. Oklahoma driver license
2. Oklahoma Identification Card
3. United States passport
4. United States military identification

6) Where to find Election Results

NewsOn6.com will have election results the night of the election, starting right after polls close. You can also watch News On 6's live coverage on election night.