What you need to know to vote Tuesday, November 3rd
Your voice is critical for our democracy to work. We need every single person to use their voice Tuesday, Nov. 3rd. The election is just a few days away and here are some important things you need to know:
MAILING YOUR ABSENTEE BALLOT -- DO IT NOW!
Have you mailed your ballot in or made a plan for voting in person yet?
If you are using a mail-in ballot, now is the time to get it in the mail - DO NOT WAIT. Remember to follow all of the instructions carefully to make sure that your ballot will be counted!
- Use two postage stamps when you return it
- Be sure to enclose your ballot in the security envelope before inserting it into the affidavit envelope
- Either get your signature notarized or attach a copy of a photo ID from the approved ID list with tape or paper clip. Most banks will notarize your ballot for free - just call them to be sure.
EARLY VOTING PRIOR TO TUESDAY NOV. 3RD and DROPPING OFF YOUR ABSENTEE BALLOT
All early voting for the Nov. 3rd election will be Thursday October 29, Friday October 30 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday October 31 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at ONEOK FIELD in downtown Tulsa at 201 N. Elgin Ave, Tulsa, OK 74120. The Tulsa County Election board WILL NOT be the location this year for early voting due to the pandemic.
If you plan to hand it your absentee ballot vs. mailing it, you must hand in your absentee ballot at the Election Board, 555 N. Denver Ave., Tulsa, OK 74103
FIND YOUR POLLING PLACE
Because of COVID, some polling places that you used to go to have closed. Double check now to see what your polling place is today. You can do that here at the Oklahoma Election Board's Voter Portal. Just put in your last name, first name, and your birthdate as you have registered to vote and it will tell you everything you need to know.
NEED TO TAKE TIME OFF TO VOTE? KNOW THE LAW
Oklahoma law requires an employer to provide an employee two (2) hours of time off to vote (more if distance demands), if the employee does not have three (3) hours before his or her shift begins or after it ends in which to vote while polls are open. The voting leave must be paid if the employee presents to the employer proof of voting. To be eligible for voting leave, an employee must inform his or her employer of their intention to take the leave at least THREE days prior to the day of the election or the vote.
An employer may dictate when an employee takes voting leave or may adjust employee schedules so that employees have three (3) hours before or after their shift in which to vote while polls are open.
An employer that fails to provide the voting leave as required may be subject to fines not less than $50 but not more than $100.
VOTING WITH A CONVICTION - YOU CAN STILL VOTE
In Oklahoma, you can vote if you:
Are not currently incarcerated, on probation, or on parole and for a felony conviction
AND
If you have been convicted of a felony, the original term of your sentence has expired or you have received a pardon.
(Example: If you were sentenced to 10 years of incarceration or probation, but only served 5, you must wait the full 10 years for your right to vote to be reinstated.)
All other eligible adult citizens can vote, including those incarcerated pre-trial and for misdemeanor offenses and those with felony convictions for whom the term of their original sentence has expired.