As the November 3 elections are approaching, it is important to know the deadlines and guidelines to ensure that you can submit your vote, also the agency websites that include this information.
Absentee (Standard) Ballot Voting
Governor Kevin Stitt extended the Covid-19 state of emergency, allowing individuals to mail in their ballot without an excuse. This state of emergency also allows individuals to mail in their ballots without the requirement of the affidavit- a written statement confirmed by an oath or affirmation- to be notarized/authorized. Individuals have the option to mail a copy of their identification attached to the affidavit. According to the Oklahoma State Election Board, "absentee voting is an easy and convenient way to exercise your right to vote."
How to Apply for your Ballot
The OK.gov website lists the steps needed to apply for an absentee ballot. These steps are listed below:
- "Complete an application to request an absentee ballot using the Online Voter Portal, in-person, by mail, email, or fax (405-521-6457).
- "Receive your own ballot, have your affidavit envelope notarized, or attach a copy of your valid ID to the envelope."
- "Return your own ballot by First-Class mail, delivery service, or hand delivery to the County Election Board. You can hand deliver your sealed standard ballot and affidavit to your County Election Board on any day during regular business hours, until the close of business on Monday, November 2, 2020. You must present appropriate ID at the time of delivery."
How to fill out the Absentee Application
The Oklahoma State Election Board at OK.gov lists the following steps:
- "Print your name as you are registered to vote. Print your date of birth, day, month, and year."
- "Print your physical address."
- "If you want your ballots mailed to an address other than your address of registration, check the box and provide the mailing address where you want your ballots mailed."
- "If you swear of affirm that you are physically unable to vote in person or you care for someone who cannot be left unattended, choose the first box. If you have an agent, they must print their name and sign. If you are in a nursing home or veterans center, choose the second box and print the name of the facility. If you are requesting a no-excuse absentee ballot, choose the third box."
- "If you want absentee ballots mailed to you for all elections in which you are eligible for this calendar year, choose the first box. If you want absentee ballots for a specific election, choose the second box and print the date(s) of the election(s) in which you wish to vote absentee."
- "The Democratic Party is the only political party in Oklahoma that currently allows Independent voters to vote in Primary and Runoff Primary Elections. If you want to receive a Democratic ballot for Primary and Runoff Primary Elections, choose the box in #6."
- "Read the oath, then sign and date the application before submitting."
In-Person Voting
In-person voting is still allowed, however there are certain guidelines and recommendations encouraged by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide a safe and secure voting experience. The number of individuals inside a voting facility are limited to ten persons, so lines will be moved outside where social distancing can still be maintained. The CDC provides a resource titled, "Considerations for Election Polling Locations and Voters," to describe some of the safety precautions that will be enforced in the polling locations. For example, the CDC states that physical barriers can be used in the polling centers; that all equipment is to be wiped down after use; and that individuals are encouraged to sanitize their hands when entering and exiting the location. State and local election officials want to provide voters with a hands-on voting experience while maintaining safety precautions.
In-Person Voting for Americans with Disabilities
There is an alternative option for individuals with disabilities, or older individuals more susceptible to Covid-19, to vote in-person. According to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, "individuals 65 or older, or individuals who are unable to physically get out of their vehicle, can vote by curbside." The ballot is taken out to the individual by an election official, where the individual can vote their ballot in the car. Then the official will bring the ballot back into the facility and deposit it.
Government officials have worked hard to provide safe and secure options for American to practice civic engagement and vote. The multitude of options demonstrate the numerous ways for Americans to vote despite the pandemic.
Agencies for Voting Information
The Oklahoma State Election Board presents a wide variety of tools and resources individuals can access concerning voting information. It is "the administrative agency for the conduct of state elections and the oversight of the state's 77 county election boards."
The "Election Info" tab at the top of the website includes dates and deadlines, upcoming elections, election results, political parties, and state questions. The "Voter Info" includes: register to vote, update voter registration information online, online voter registration, voter registration statistics, absentee voting, military/overseas voters, accessibility for disabled voters, OK Voter Portal, proof of identity, cancel voter registration, early voting, and poll worker opportunities.
The OK Voter Portal is an invaluable tool for Oklahoma residents; it is a "one-stop-shop" for all of your voting needs. With your name and date of birth, individuals can complete a voter registration application, request an absentee ballot, verify voter information, view voting districts, find polling place information, view a sample ballot, check the status of absentee ballots, and respond to an address confirmation notice. Furthermore, if you "enter your name, date of birth (DOB), Oklahoma driver license number OR state ID number, AND the last four digits of your Social Security number, you can access additional features such as:" change political affiliation, and change a residence address or mailing address.
The Voters tab at the the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) includes Election Day Contact Information, Register & Vote in Your Sttae, Voter's Guide to Federal Elections, Become a Poll Worker, Voting Accessibility, Overseas & Military Voters, Voter Resources & Helpful Links. The EAC is an "independent, bipartisan commission that was established by the Help America Vote Act of 20022 (HAVA)." The agency works to make sure that all eligible voters can vote "independently, privately, and confidently" by providing election officials with the right resources and tools. According to the official website, the EAC is "charged with developing guidance to meet HAVA requirements, adopting voluntary voting system guidelines, and serving as a national clearinghouse of information on election administration."
~Emily Hancz
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