Election Board encourages absentee voters to mail ballots ASAP

Voters Encouraged to Mail Absentee Ballots as Soon as Possible

(Oklahoma City, October 31st) – The Secretary of the State Election Board is encouraging voters who have requested absentee ballots to mail those ballots back as soon as possible to ensure they are received by their County Election Board before the deadline. “While our county election boards work closely with local post offices to ensure that every mail ballot makes it into the hands of election officials by 7 p.m. on Election Day, we encourage voters to follow United States postal guidelines and mail ballots at least seven days prior to the election.” said Secretary Paul Ziriax. “Voters should consider the amount of time needed to vote their ballot, as well as the distance the ballot has to travel,” he added.

Early Voting begins Thursday for runoff election

Early Voting Begins Thursday for Runoff Primary

(Oklahoma City, August 16th) – Early voting for the August 23 Runoff Primary begins Thursday for voters in all seventy-seven (77) counties. Early voting is available Thursday, August 18 and Friday, August 19 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Early voting will also be available Saturday, August 20, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

State Election Board: pre-primary election registration, absentee ballot deadlines approaching

Primary Election Deadlines Approaching

(Oklahoma City, June 1st) – The deadline to register to vote or update your registration for the June 28 Primary is quickly approaching, according to the Oklahoma State Election Board. Voter registration applications and updates must be received or postmarked no later than Friday, June 3.

Legislators: Oklahoma’s election demonstrates accurate and timely results

Oklahoma’s Election Demonstrates Accurate and Timely Results

OKLAHOMA CITY – Members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives are encouraging their colleagues from other states to model their systems after Oklahoma election laws.

“For years Oklahoma's election system has provided Oklahoma voters with rapid and undisputed results.

Through a mix of common sense quality controls, including numbered ballot pads, election night reporting, a mix of scanning technology and traditional, verifiable paper ballots, voter identification and precinct-level officials who are appointed by both of the major political parties, Oklahoma leads the nation in election policy.

We appreciated the federal court earlier this year upholding Oklahoma’s strong election laws, particularly the reasonable absentee ballot requirements the Legislature enacted through SB 210 last session. By all accounts, the Legislature's actions proved successful and Oklahoma concluded election night with yet another fair, timely outcome that has not been disputed: This included the Congressional District 5 race, which was decided by less than 13,000 votes.

We are witnessing firsthand how weak election policies of other states impact the entire nation, including Oklahoma. As demonstrated by Oklahoma, there is no reason we should have to wait days for the outcome of any election. We call on the other states to immediately pass meaningful and common sense reforms to their election processes.

The integrity of the voting process is vital to our republic. There should be no doubt as to the results if we can secure the process at the outset. Mail-in ballots that do not require proof of identity is a recipe for fraud. We have gone through this process three times at the national level in recent years with the 2000, 2016 and now 2020 elections.

As members of the Oklahoma Legislature, we ask other state legislatures across America to demand reform and pass legislation similar to SB 210 on absentee ballot integrity and SB 1779 outlawing absentee ballot harvesting in our state.”

Legislators issuing the statement include:

• Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow
• Rep. Ty Burns, R-Morrison
• Rep. Sherrie Conley, R-Newcastle
• Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont
• Rep. Sheila Dills, R-Tulsa
• Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee
• Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola
• Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang
• Rep. Justin Humphrey , R-Lane
• Rep. Ronny Johns, R-Ada
• Rep.-elect Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus
• Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee
• Rep. Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa
• Rep. Mark Lepak, R-Claremore
• Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City
• Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City
• Rep. T.J. Marti, R-Broken Arrow
• Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka
• Rep. Kevin McDugle, R-Broken Arrow
• Rep. Carl Newton, R-Cherokee
• Rep. Terry O’Donnell, R-Catoosa
• Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland
• Rep. Charles Ortega, R-Altus
• Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond
• Rep. Kenton Patzkowsky, R-Balko
• Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay
• Rep. David Smith, R-Arepelar
• Rep. Chris Sneed, R-Fort Gibson
• Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany
• Rep. Jay Steagall, R-Yukon
• Rep. Judd Strom, R-Copan
• Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore
• Rep. Mark Vancuren, R-Owasso
• Rep. Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston
• Rep. Josh West, R-Grove
• Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore
• Rep.-elect Rick West, R-Heavener
• Rep. Rande Worthen, R-Lawton
• Sen. Michael Bergstrom, R-Adair
• Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant
• Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Tulsa
• Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville
• Sen. Brent Howard, R-Altus
• Sen. Chris Kidd, R-Waurika
• Sen. Dewayne Pemberton, R-Muskogee
• Sen. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole
• Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore

Deadline to request an Absentee Ballot is TODAY

 

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot is TODAY

(Oklahoma City) - The deadline to request an absentee ballot for the November 3 election is 5 p.m. Tuesday, October 27, 2020.

The fastest, easiest way to request an absentee ballot is online using the OK Voter Portal. Voters can also download an Absentee Ballot Request Form from the State Election Board website and fax, email or hand-deliver their request to their County Election Board.

Absentee ballot requests must be received no later than 5 p.m. on October 27. Voters who are incapacitated after 5 p.m. on Tuesday, may request an “emergency incapacitated” absentee ballot with proper documentation. Voters will need to contact their County Election Board for more information.

Absentee ballot requests are processed daily. However, voters should remember to allow plenty of time to vote and return their ballots.

Absentee ballots can be returned using the U.S. postal service or any private delivery service that provides delivery documentation. Ballots returned by mail or private delivery service must be received by the voter’s County Election Board no later than 7 p.m. on election night.

“Standard” absentee ballots may be hand-delivered to the voter’s County Election Board, provided ballots are returned no later than the end of business day, the Monday prior to the Election (November 2). “Physically incapacitated” absentee ballots can only be returned by mail or private delivery service.

Voters with questions should contact their County Election Board for more information.

State Election Board officials caution voters about mailing from “OKVOTE” organization

State Election Board Officials Caution Voters About Mailing From “OKVOTE” Organization

(Oklahoma City) – Officials with the Oklahoma State Election Board cautioned voters about a mailing from a Tulsa-based organization, “OKVOTE,” after state and county election offices received several complaints from voters this week.

The mailing is an unsolicited, pre-filled voter registration application accompanied by a letter that mistakenly advises some recipients that “according to State Election Board records” they are not registered to vote at their current address – even though official Election Board records actually show many of the recipients who have contacted election officials are already properly registered.

“State and county election officials are not affiliated with OKVOTE nor with this mailing,” State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said. “Although we know OKVOTE has good intentions, this mailing has caused confusion by mistakenly telling some registered voters that they are not registered to vote at their address. We encourage voters who received this letter to use the official OK Voter Portal or contact their County Election Board to confirm their voter registration.”

Early Voting Begins for Runoff Primary; Absentee Ballot Return Options Available

Early Voting Begins for Runoff Primary; Absentee Ballot Return Options Available

(Oklahoma City) – Early voting for the August 25 Runoff Primary begins this week for voters in fifty (50) counties. Early voting is available this Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Counties with state or federal runoff elections will also have early voting on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 While some voters in these counties will have a runoff primary election, others may only have a local or county election or no election at all. State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said it is important to make sure you have an election before you head to the polls.

“I always recommend checking the OK Voter Portal before you head to the polls to find your polling place and view a sample ballot. If you have a sample ballot available in the portal, that means you have an election in your precinct. If no ballot is available, it means you do not have an election,” said Ziriax.

Secretary Ziriax also reminds voters that Oklahoma is a closed primary state.

“In order to vote in a party’s primary or runoff primary, you must be a registered voter of that party. The Democratic Party, however, has made an exception for Independent voters for the 2020 and 2021 election years. If you’re an Independent voter you may ask for a Democratic Party primary ballot,” Ziriax said.

The Republican Party and Libertarian Party have chosen to keep their primaries closed.

Voters who have requested an absentee ballot for the August 25 Runoff Primary have several return options. Absentee ballots can be returned by the United States Postal Service or a private mail carrier, provided delivery documentation is provided.

Standard absentee ballots, the most common form of ballot, can be hand-delivered to the county election board provided the ballot is returned no later than the end of business day, the Monday prior to the election. Only the voter may hand-deliver his or her own absentee ballot. Please be prepared to show proof of identity when you drop off your ballot. You will be asked to show the same identification that is required when you vote at the polls.

Absentee ballots returned by mail for the August 25 election must be received by the County Election Board no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Voters can track their absentee ballot using the OK Voter Portal.

Social distancing and COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place during early voting and on Election Day. While masks or face coverings are not required at voting locations, they are strongly recommended. You will find more information about COVID-19 and the 2020 elections on the State Election Board website.


URL Guide:

Early Voting: https://www.ok.gov/elections/Early_Voting.html

OK Voter Portal: https://www.ok.gov/elections/OVP.html

Closed Primary State: https://www.ok.gov/elections/Election_Info/State_Question_info.html

Absentee Ballots: https://www.ok.gov/elections/Voter_Info/Absentee_Voting/index.html

Proof of Identity: https://www.ok.gov/elections/Voter_Info/Proof_of_Identity/index.html

County Election Board: https://www.ok.gov/elections/About_Us/County_Election_Boards/index.html

COVID-19 and the 2020 Elections: https://www.ok.gov/elections/Voter_Info/Covid-19_and_2020_Elections.html

State Election Board Website: https://www.ok.gov/elections/index.html

1889 Institute: A Judicial Attack on Election Integrity

A Judicial Attack on Election Integrity

By Benjamin Lepak

The Oklahoma Supreme Court recently attempted to rewrite Oklahoma’s election laws, behind closed doors, on a compressed timetable, and without public input. All with an election looming in which the new rules would apply.

In May, the Court eliminated the requirement that absentee voters confirm their identity with a notary. Under the ruling, absentee voters would be permitted to vote with little more than a promise they are who they say they are, while in-person voters would still be required to show ID.

The lawsuit was filed by a coalition of progressive organizations called “Let the People Vote,” claiming voters could contract COVID-19 from notaries.

Count me skeptical. The coalition looked an awful lot like the one supporting State Question 802’s Medicaid expansion. They even hired the same law firm. The lead plaintiff in the case, the League of Women Voters, features only two advocacy items on its webpage, “Let the People Vote” and “Yes on State Question 802.”

Oklahoma banks, credit unions to offer free absentee voting services

State Election Board: Oklahoma Financial Institutions to Offer Free Absentee Voting Services

(Oklahoma City) – The Secretary of the Oklahoma State Election Board joined representatives of the Oklahoma Bankers Association, Oklahoma Credit Union Association, and Community Bankers Association of Oklahoma today to announce that financial institutions across the state plan to offer free absentee voting services to all Oklahoma voters.

Participating banks and credit unions will offer one or more of the following services to voters: 

• Free ID copy (lobby and/or drive-thru)
• Free absentee ballot notarization (lobby and/or drive-thru)

Voters can find a list of participating banks and credit unions at elections.ok.gov. Services and hours may vary by location.

“Banks and credit unions are in almost every community in Oklahoma. They’re our neighbors and community partners and they realize the importance of democracy. That’s why we’re excited to work with these financial institutions to ensure that every voter—both customers and non-customers alike—have free and convenient absentee services available to them,” said Paul Ziriax, Secretary of the State Election Board.

OCPA column: Voter ID is a good idea, whether in-person or not

Voter ID is a good idea, whether in-person or not

By Jonathan Small

If it’s a good idea to require ID to thwart in-person voter fraud, doesn’t it make even more sense to require verification when people vote by absentee ballot, where the potential for stolen ballots and abuse is much higher?

For years Oklahoma has required “absentee voter ID” by requiring those casting an absentee ballot to sign an affidavit that must be notarized. But a recent Oklahoma Supreme Court decision found state law did not mandate notarization.

This week, the Oklahoma Legislature voted overwhelmingly to clarify the law and require notarization, but also loosened procedures during the pandemic for those concerned about contracting COVID-19. Under the bill, individuals voting absentee during a state health emergency do not have to get their affidavit notarized. They must only provide a photocopy of a form of ID, which can include their free state election card.

That’s a sensible way to secure elections and address citizens’ health concerns.

Election integrity bill passes State Senate, signed by Governor

Oklahoma Senate sends election integrity bill to Governor’s desk

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Senate overwhelmingly approved a bill Thursday to protect election integrity in the absentee ballot process and now the bill heads to the governor’s desk for consideration. [Update: Governor Stitt has signed the measure]

Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, is the author of the bill, which protects the integrity of the absentee ballot process while granting exemptions during the course of the coronavirus health pandemic. The bill passed 38-9.

Neese: striking down absentee notorization will "open the gates to voter fraud"

NEESE: STRIKING DOWN ABSENTEE NOTORIZATION REQUIREMENT WILL “OPEN THE GATES TO VOTER FRAUD”

Oklahoma City, OK -- Terry Neese, Republican candidate for Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District, released the following statement today after the Oklahoma Supreme Court struck down the notary requirement for absentee ballots:

OKGOP warns of "imminent voter fraud", calls for action to reverse Supreme Court ruling regarding absentee ballots

From OKGOP Chairman David McLain:

Call to Action

Yesterday, May 4, 2020, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled to remove the requirement of providing a copy of an Oklahoma photo ID OR Notary Stamp to verify a voter's authenticity when voting by Absentee Ballot. The ruling states all that is necessary now is just a signature on the ballot, with NO proof that it is your ballot and your vote!

If we think the potential for voter fraud was bad before, this type of ruling guarantees a California style of voting and voter fraud like we have NEVER seen in this state! Imagine all the Absentee Ballots that will be sent in by deceased voters! Imagine the vulnerability of our Oklahomans by any group "helping" our seniors fill out ballots at nursing and convalescent homes.

Read SB1779 by clicking on here.