Get out and vote 2020

Well, we are finally almost there. Election Day 2020 is exactly one week from today (if you are reading this hot off the presses on Oct. 27). While the presidential election gets most of the headlines, and is extremely important, there are a lot more candidates and issues on the ballot across Oklahoma City on Nov. 3.

The election will include important races at every level of government. Residents of the City of Oklahoma City will have the opportunity to approve proposed Oklahoma City Charter amendments that are primarily intended to modernize wording, address inconsistencies and resolve discrepancies with state law. Learn more about those proposed changes.

You can research more about what will appear on your ballot by viewing a sample ballot using the OK Voter Portal and viewing the list of elections for Oklahoma, Canadian, Cleveland and Pottawatomie counties.

If you are voting by mail, it is important to remember that your ballot must be received by the county election board no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day. The deadline to request a ballot by mail is today (Oct. 27) at 5 p.m. The easiest way to apply is online. Once you get that absentee ballot, fill it out, get it notarized or include a copy of your ID, then put it back in the mail with two stamps. It has to be at the election board office by Election Day in order to be counted. Get more information about the rules and regulations here.

You can save yourself postage by dropping off your absentee ballot at your county election board office, but it has to be there the day before Election Day. You can’t turn in anyone else’s ballot.

In-person, early voting is also available at the election board of the county you are registered to vote in on Oct. 29 and Oct. 30 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Now, we can all run a little behind and forget to put things in the mail on time. If that’s the case with your absentee ballot, still vote in person. Be sure to tell your poll worker you asked for an absentee ballot but didn’t fill it out. You’ll have to sign an affidavit saying you’re not voting twice, then you’re all set to vote in person.

Please share this information with anyone who may need a reminder to register to vote and make your plan now to make sure your voice is counted in the democratic process!