OKLAHOMA STATE ELECTION BOARD

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I vote?

Find your polling place here.

What political parties are recognized in Oklahoma?

For 2008, the Democratic and Republican parties are recognized.

What political organizations are recognized in Oklahoma?

For 2008, no political organizations are recognized.

I lost my Voter ID card. How do I get a replacement?

Request a replacement Voter ID card from the County Election Board in the county where you are registered to vote.

How do I change my name, address or political affiliation on my voter registration?

To make any changes to your voter registration, send in a new voter registration application. Get the application here. You cannot make changes in your voter registration online or by telephone. Details.

How do I get an absentee ballot?

Send a written request to the County Election Board in the county where you are registered to vote. Get the application here. You cannot request an absentee ballot online or by telephone. Details.

Where is my polling place?

Find your polling place here.

When are polling places open?

On regular and special election days, polling places are open from 7 AM until 7 PM. (Hours are different for early voting. See below.)

Can I vote early?

Yes! You can vote at the County Election Board office in the county where you are registered to vote from 8 AM to 6 PM on Friday and Monday before all elections. For state and federal elections only, you also can vote from 8 AM until 1 PM on Saturday before the election. Details.

I am registered to vote in Shawnee, but I work in Oklahoma City. Can I vote in Oklahoma City?

No. You may vote only at the polling place to which you are assigned based on your address of residence. (But you can request an absentee ballot or vote early. See above.)

I am registered to vote in Tulsa, but I am in college in Norman. Can I vote in Norman?

No. You may vote only at the polling place to which you are assigned based on your address of residence. (But you can request an absentee ballot or vote early. See above.)

I am a Democrat. All the candidates in the Primary Election are Republicans. Can I vote for them?

No. Oklahoma is a closed primary state. Only registered voters of a political party may vote to select their party's nominees. Details.

I am a Republican. All the candidates in the Primary Election are Democrats. Can I vote for them?

No. Oklahoma is a closed primary state. Only registered voters of a political party may vote to select their party's nominees. Details.

I am registered as Independent (No Party). How do I get permission to vote for party candidates in primary elections?

You cannot obtain permission on an individual basis. In November of each odd-numbered year, recognized political parties declare whether or not they will permit Independents to vote in their primary elections during the following two calendar years. For 2008 and 2009, permission was not granted.

If I don't vote in the Primary Election, can I still vote in the General Election?

Whether you do or do not vote in a primary election has no bearing on your eligibility to vote in a general election. If you are properly registered, you are eligible to vote.

Will my ballot be counted if I don't vote every race on it? What if I leave some races blank?

Whether you vote in all races that appear on your ballot, in only some of the races, or in only one race, any vote you cast is always counted. If you prefer not to vote for a candidate or a question, you are entitled to make that choice. It will not affect the counting of your votes in any other races on your ballot.

May I write in a candidate's name on my ballot?

No. Write-in voting is not permitted in Oklahoma. (There is one exception to this rule. In extraordinary circumstances, military and overseas voters may write in the names of candidates for federal offices when there is insufficient time for them to vote a normal absentee ballot. This is done on a special write-in absentee ballot. For further information on this procedure, contact the Oklahoma State Election Board.)

Where can I find information about voter registration and absentee voting for military and overseas voters?

Military voters should contact the Voting Assistance Officers in their units for application forms and information. Overseas voters may obtain the same materials at United States military installations, embassies and consulates, or online from the Federal Voting Assistance Program.

My mother/father/son/daughter, etc., has moved to another state, but his or her name is still on the precinct registry at the polling place. How can I have his or her name removed?

Only the voter can request that his or her name be removed. The voter may send a written request to the County Election Board in the county where he or she is registered, requesting that his or her voter registration be cancelled. The request must be notarized.

My family member is deceased, but his or her name is still on the precinct registry at the polling place. How can I have his or her name removed?

The deceased voter's next-of-kin may complete and sign a "Cancellation of Registration of Deceased Voter" form at the polling place. Or, the next-of-kin may send a written statement regarding the voter's death (including the voter's complete name, address and date of birth) to the County Election Board in the county where the deceased voter is registered. The request must be notarized.

How can I get a computer list of registered voters?

CDs containing voter registration data for a precinct, county, legislative district, Congressional district, school district or municipality—or for the entire state—are available from the State Election Board. For a fee schedule, order form and other information, call the State Election Board at 405-521-2391 or e-mail: info@elections.ok.gov.

How can I get voters' telephone numbers?

Voter registration records do not contain voters' telephone numbers. We cannot offer any assistance in obtaining that information.

How can I get candidates' telephone numbers and e-mail addresses?

Election Board records do not contain candidates' telephone numbers or e-mail addresses. We cannot offer any assistance in obtaining that information.

How can I identify a voter's race/color/gender/ethnic origin, etc.?

Voter registration records do not include any of these types of information.

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