Precinct Officials Gear Up For Tuesday's Primary Elections

Tuesday is primary election day statewide in Oklahoma, and experts say there may be more enthusiasm at the polls this year.

The Oklahoma County Election Board headquarters was buzzing with last minute preparations on Monday. Precinct officials picked up all the supplies, paperwork and “I voted” stickers for the set up Tuesday morning.

The polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. across the state. Oklahoma County Election Board Secretary Doug Sanderson said they’ll be ready.

The Oklahoma State Election Board is also preparing by sending out tips and reminder to voters:

• Be prepared and know your polling place.
• Polls open from 7 to 7. Lines are longest before work, during lunch and after work. “Off-peak” hours are from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• The Democratic and Libertarian parties are allowing independents to vote in primaries in 2016 and 2017.
• Independent voters can choose whether to vote a Democratic of Libertarian ballot. Republicans did not open primaries to independent voters.
• Don’t forget to bring your proof of identity. This could be a valid photo ID issued by the state, federal or tribal government, or a free voter identification card issued to all voters. Those without a valid ID can sign an affidavit that will be matched to their voter registration records.

Founder of Soonerpoll.com, Bill Shapard, thinks there will be a higher voter turnout for this year’s primaries.

“A lot of polling that we have done early on has shown that people are a lot more angrier. They’re a lot more unhappy with what is going on,” Shapard said.

With a record-setting number of people who filed for candidacy, Shapard expects a busy August after the primaries with incumbent upsets and run-offs.

“I think we may see some incumbents lose. I think we may see a lot more runoffs that we have seen before,” he said.

Click here to get more information about the elections.