Early voting begins March 2

Early voting begins March 2 for Question 820 for voters in Texas County. Voters who will not be able to make it to the polls on Election Day, have the option of voting early at their County Election Board.

Texas County Election Board Secretary, Margo Thompson, said early voting is open to all voters.

“You do not need to provide an excuse to vote early. Oklahoma allows early voting for all elections conducted through the State Election Board-from school board and municipal elections to state and federal elections. This is a great option for those who will be out of town on Election Day or who want to avoid long lines,” Thompson said.

Early voting is available March 2 and March 3 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the County Election Board located at 301 N. Main Guymon, Okla. 73942. Thompson reminds voters that early voting is not available at polling locations.

The Texas County Election Board is located at 301 N. Main and is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. For questions, please contact the Election Board at 580-3387644 or TexasCounty@ elections.ok.gov.

ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR 2023 ELECTION YEAR

Voters in Texas County who want absentee ballots mailed to them for elections in 2023 should apply now, County Election Board Secretary Thompson said today.

Any registered voter may request absentee ballots for a specific election or for a full calendar year. No excuse is needed to vote by absentee ballot. Thompson said there are many ways to apply.

“For many voters, the easiest way to apply is online through the State Election Board’s OK Voter Portal. Voters can also fill out an application at the County Election Board or simply write us a letter.”

If you choose to write a letter, it must contain the following information:

▪ Your name, resident address, and signature

▪ Name of the school district in which you reside

▪ Name of your city

(if you reside in city limits) Address where you want your ballots mailed Type of election

▪ List of elections for which you are requesting absentee ballots (you may only request ballots for elections in which you are eligible to vote)

Thompson said voters who are in nursing homes, voters who are physically incapacitated and voters who care for persons who cannot be left unattended should mention these restrictions in their request. This information activates special procedures that make voting and returning absentee ballots easier.

Voters can request absentee ballots electronically using the OK Voter Portal at oklahoma.gov/ elections/ovp. To download a paper application, visit the State Election Board website at oklahoma.gov/elections. For more information on absentee voting, contact the Texas County Election Board at 580-338-7644 or TexasCounty@elections.ok.gov.

LAST WEEK TO REQUEST ABSENTEE BALLOTS FOR MARCH 7 ELECTION

The deadline to request absentee ballots by mail is approaching. Applications must be received by the County Election Board no later than 5 p.m. Feb. 20.

Texas County Election Board Secretary, Margo Thompson, says absentee voting is available to all voters and can be submitted several ways.

“In Oklahoma, no excuse is needed to vote by absentee ballot, and it’s easy to apply! Voters can submit their application online, in-person, by fax, mail, or even email.”

Voters can apply online using the OK Voter Portal at oklahoma. gov/elections/ovp. Applications are also available at the County Election Board or can be downloaded at oklahoma.gov/elections. Thompson reminds voters that only the applicant can submit his or her own absentee ballot application. It is against the law to submit an absentee ballot application for another person. Voters who submit their application in-person at the County Election Board will be asked to provide proof of identity. Voters with questions about absentee voting should contact the County Election Board at 580-338-7644 or TexasCounty@elections.ok.gov.

The Texas County Election Board is located at 301 N. Main and is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday

VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE APPROACHES

Feb. 10 is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the March 7 State Wide Question 820 Election, Texas County Election Board Secretary Margo Thompson said today. Thompson said that persons who are United States Citizens, residents of Oklahoma, and at least 17 1⁄2 years old are eligible to apply for voter registration. However, you must be at least 18 years old to vote.

Applications must be received by the County Election Board or postmarked no later than midnight, Feb. 10. Applications postmarked after that time will be accepted, but will not be processed until after the March 7 Election. Applications may also be submitted to any motor vehicle agency that is also an official voter registration agency by the submission deadline.

Applicants will be notified in writing when their application has been processed. Approved voters will receive a Voter Identification Card in the mail. Some may receive a letter that explains the reason or reasons the application was not approved. Thompson said those who do not receive a response within 30 days of submitting their application should contact the County Election Board office immediately.

The Texas County Election Board reminds voters that applications must be approved by the County Election Board Secretary in order to vote.

Registered voters who have moved to Texas County from a different county or state will need to complete a new Voter Registration Application in order to be eligible for elections in Texas County. If you have moved within the county and need to update your address, you may make changes online using the OK Voter Portal at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp or complete a Voter Registration Application.

Voter Registration Applications can be downloaded from the State Election Board website at oklahoma.gov/elections. You may also complete a form at your County Election Board. Most post offices, tag agencies, and public libraries have applications available upon request.

The Texas County Election Board is located at 301 N. Main and is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. For questions, please contact the Election Board at 580-338-7644 or TexasCounty@elections.ok.gov.