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October 29, 2008

In-person absentee voting begins Friday

By Liz McMahan



Early voting begins Friday in Oklahoma, and while long waiting lines are not expected, the turnout should be larger than usual, said Ellen Thames, assistant Election Board secretary.

More than 1,000 voters cast in-person absentee ballots at the Election Board in 2004, Thames said. She expects more than that in this election, but does not think there will be more than a few minutes wait for anyone.

In some states, voters have waited for hours to cast ballots early in the presidential election.

Thames said there has been a large number of people calling and coming in, wanting to vote early this time.

She expects Friday and Monday voting traffic to be fairly heavy, as many downtown workers take advantage of the opportunity.

Saturday may be the lightest turnout, so that would be a good time for anyone wanting to avoid lines, she said.

First-time voters should bring some sort of identification with them, Thames said. That could be a voter identification card, driver’s license or other photo ID or even a utility bill with their name and address.

Not every voter will be asked for identification, Thames said.

Voters should also be aware that it is inappropriate to wear campaign T-shirts, caps or other political apparel to the polls, Thames said. It is illegal to post campaign advertising within 300 feet of a polling place. Those wearing campaign gear need to “get right in and right out” of the polling place, Thames said.

The sheriff’s office will be notified to remove campaign signs that are too close to the polls, including the in-person absentee voting box, Thames said.



Cast your vote

You may vote in-person absentee at the county Election Board office from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday; or from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday.

Regular polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.

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