Voters Encouraged to Cast Ballots on June 26
From Tulsa County By COMMISSIONER RON PETERS
Tulsa County Commissioner
Historically, there has been low voter participation in elections held during the summer. There are many reasons why voter turnout has been only a small percentage of registered voters.
Generally the reasons for low turnout are that people didn’t know there was an election in the summer, they were out of town, there was nothing on the ballots that interested them, or they believed the summer election was just a primary vote and they would have another opportunity in November to cast the vote that really matters.
This year, the election on June 26 appears to be shaping up as one where voter interest and turnout is going to be higher than past summer elections. This is due, in part, to the large number of candidates running for federal, state and county offices and the number of open seats.
In looking at the more high profile races, voters will see on their ballots candidates running for Congressman, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and District Attorney. Some ballots will also include those running for District Court Judges, County Commissioner, County Assessor and State House and Senate. The future composition of all three branches of our governments begins to take shape with the primary election June 26.
Each voter will be given two ballots: one will have the Judge candidates and the question on medical marijuana and the other ballot will have all of the Federal, State, and County races.
The elected officials of Tulsa County want to encourage everyone registered to vote on June 26. Because a larger than usual turnout is expected, there is some important information from the Tulsa County Election Board that can help make the voting process run smoothly.
The Election Board has a very well-designed and informative website that provides important information that can help in the voting process.
Some of the helpful information found on the website includes:
Information that everyone needs to know about proof of identity requirements for voting in Oklahoma and what you are required to show the poll workers.
If you have moved since you last voted, you may need to refer to the precinct locator to find your new voting location.
If you are going to be out of town on June 26 it’s important to know the deadline and procedure for requesting an absentee ballot which must be requested by Wednesday, June 20.
To help manage the expected large influx of voters on election day there will early voting on Thursday the 21st and Friday the 22nd from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, the 23rd from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at both the Election Board and at the Hardesty Library.
Sample ballots: Some voters print these off, complete them, and then take them on voting day. With lots of races and issues to decide, it makes completing the ballot at the polls goes faster. To find a sample ballot for your precinct, you need to go to the State Election Board website and look for the online voting tool.
Information on these and other issues regarding the elections can be found on the Election Board website at www.tulsacounty.org/elections or by calling the Election Board at 918-596-5780.
Updated 06-21-2018
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