Voter Deadlines Approaching before November Election

by Elizabeth Pitts-Hibbard

Stephens County Election Board reminds voters that deadlines are coming up for voter registration and requesting absentee ballots in advance of the November 8 general election, including updating information provided to the State.

“If it’s been a while since you voted, E911 has issued you a new address, you’ve recently moved or changed your name, now is the time to make sure your registration information is up-to-date,” advised Angela Dunagan, Stephens County Election Board secretary. “We want everyone to have a positive experience at the polls.”

Dunagan added that voters who have moved to another county or changed their name will need to submit a new voter registration application.

Changes must be submitted to later than 25 days before an election, which in this case means October 14.

Persons who are US citizens, residents of Oklahoma, and at least 17 and a half years old may apply for voter registration; however, one must be 18 years old to cast a vote.

The Stephens County Election Board is located at 1075 W. Elm Avenue in Duncan; hours are 8:30am – 4:30pm Monday through Friday. Voter registration applications may also be downloaded from the State Election Board website, www.oklahoma.gov/elections.

Voters may also visit the website to request an absentee ballot for the general election. The deadline to request absentee ballots is 5pm on Monday, October 24.

Dunagan said that voters should allow ample time for an absentee ballot to be received, completed, and returned to the County Election Board.

“With some exceptions, all absentee ballot affidavits must be notarized before being returned. Voters should give themselves plenty of time to make sure all steps have been followed and that the ballot is returned correctly in order to be counted,” Dunagan said.

Voters exempt from having an absentee ballot affidavit notarized include those who are physically incapacitated and those who care for physically incapacitated individuals that cannot be left alone. Voters who request a “physically incapacitated” ballot must have their absentee ballot affidavit witnessed by two people.

All completed absentee ballots must be received by the County Election Board by 7pm on Election day.