Tuesday, October 1st 2024, 5:35 pm
As the upcoming election nears, several important deadlines are approaching, with the first being the voter registration deadline of October 11th.
In Rogers County, 86% of eligible residents are registered to vote, leaving 14% who have not registered. This deadline is crucial for those who may have moved in the last two years, including those changing counties.
"There’s a wall of pictures at the Rogers County Election Board—with room for more," said Julie Dermody, Rogers County Election Board Secretary. “A lot of them are first-timers, but a lot of them have just registered for the first time.”
Dermody noted that many individuals are checking their registration status before the October 11th deadline. She recommends using the Oklahoma voter portal for the easiest confirmation.
“The other ones are getting us ready and gearing up; this is the final for this election season, and it's going to be big,” Dermody added.
Early voting for the presidential election starts the Wednesday before Election Day at election board offices. Machines are being tested and charged in preparation for what is expected to be a large turnout.
Dermody emphasized the importance of checking registration status while there is still time to correct any issues.
“That’s people who have moved from one county to another, or one state to another; those things all play into this,” she said.
The ballots for the November 5th election will include two state questions, as well as candidates for president and local elections. The voter portal now features sample ballots tailored for every registered voter.
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To check your status first visit the OK Voter Portal (okvoterportal.okelections.gov)
Enter your last name, first name, and DOB.
If you are registered you should see a page with all your information including, your Voter ID number, Precinct, and Affiliation. You can also access a brief record of your recent voting history, find your polling place, print sample ballots, find information on Absentee Ballots, and find information on your county election board and voting districts.
This page allows voters to access certain voter services as well. You can update your registration info, request an absentee ballot, and even request a new copy of your Voter ID Card.
The exact number of registered voters is 2,381,255, but many more Oklahomans are eligible to vote but not registered.
If you are getting ready to vote for the first time, are new to Oklahoma, or need to re-register the state provides multiple options including in-person, by mail, and online.
According to the Election Board, applications are accepted at any time of the year but must be received at least 25 days before an election to participate in that election. To register, you'll need a valid Oklahoma ID in the form of a driver's license or Real ID. Both can be obtained by an approved Licensed Operator, or tag agency if you are a U.S. Citizen or a permanent resident.
The deadline for the November Presidential Election is October 11, 2024
For more info on getting a driver's license or a Real ID Click HERE
For details on deadlines for upcoming Elections Click HERE
You can register online using the OK Voter Portal's Online Voter Registration System.
You need to answer a handful of questions and fill out a short form. You will need to have an Oklahoma Driver's License/State ID and a signature on file with Service Oklahoma. Once you have completed the process, the County Election Board Secretary in the county where you reside will approve your application barring any issues.
There is also a special portal for military and voters who are located overseas. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
To register in person, just visit your local County Election Board. CLICK HERE FOR COUNTY ELECTION BOARD ADDRESSES
You can also register at your local tag agency when you renew or apply for your Driver's License or State ID.
If you are someone who turns 18 between October 11, 2024, and the Presidential election on Nov. 5, 2024, you can still vote.
The 17-year-old must register before the deadline, even if your birthday is after Oct. 11.
To register by mail, you can once again visit the OK Voter Portal and then fill out a Voter Registration Application. Then, print and sign the form. Next, mail in or deliver the form by hand to your County Election Board.
If you are unable to print off an application yourself or have trouble with the online portal there is a second option.
Applications can also be found at County Election Boards, most tag agencies, post offices, and even libraries. Ask a staff member for help and then fill out the form and submit it to the County Election Board.
Once your application has been approved, a Voter Identification Card will be mailed to your provided address to confirm your registration. The State Election Board Says your Voter ID Card can be used as proof of identity at the polls on Election Day and during early voting.
If your Application is denied or can't be approved, the County Election Board will send you a letter detailing why. The letter will contain instructions on what steps you can take to get registered.
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:
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