Make sure your voice is heard in local and national elections in Oklahoma City. Registering to vote is not very difficult and costs nothing, but it does take processing time. So don't wait until the last minute. Register as soon as possible. Here's how.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Minutes
Here's How:
- Gather Your Information: Well, even saying "gather" is a bit of a stretch since you likely know it all. Nevertheless, the registration application will ask for:
- Name and Address
- Birth Date
- Political Affiliation
- Last 4 Digits of Social Security Number
- Driver's License Number (optional)
- Obtain An Application: Registration applications are available at your County Election Board (4201 N Lincoln Blvd in OKC), any Oklahoma Tag Agency, Post Offices, Libraries and by online download in Adobe PDF format. You can also submit an online request to have an application mailed to you.
- Complete Application: It's easy enough and includes the information in step 1. Just make sure to sign it when you're finished. This is swearing you're eligible to vote (see Tips below for requirements).
- Changing Your Registration?: Did you change your name or move and need to change your registration? If so, you need to follow these same steps. However, you cannot change your political affiliation "from June 1 through August 31, inclusive, in any even-numbered year."
- Submit Your Application: The registration card is already addressed, so you can simply mail it by applying a 1st class stamp and dropping it in the mailbox. You can also fill it out at any Oklahoma Tag Agency or government agency, and they will mail it for you.
- Getting Your Voter ID Card: After your application has been approved, you'll receive your voter identification card in the mail. Look it over and report any errors immediately. The card will have printed on it where you go to vote in your precinct. Keep it safe, and take it with you when you vote. You'll get a letter in the mail if, for some reason, your application can't be approved.
- Vote: That's it. You're ready to vote. The Oklahoma State Election Board has a calendar of upcoming elections, and you can check here at About OKC for information on important votes. Also, don't be afraid to get involved in a political campaign.
Tips:
- To be eligible to vote in Oklahoma, you must be all of the following:
- At least 18 years of age
- A United States citizen
- An Oklahoma resident
- However, the following cannot vote in Oklahoma:
- A convicted felon until a period of time equal to the sentence or original judgment has expired
- A person judged to be incapacitated
- A person judged to be partially incapacitated and prohibited from voting
- Remember that Oklahoma has a closed primary system. Registered voters can only vote in the primary of the party in which they're registered. All registered voters can vote for judges and legislative questions in a primary election.
- Although you can register at any time, ID cards won't be issued during the 24 days prior to an election. So think ahead.
