5 THINGS TO KNOW: Deadline nears to request April absentee ballots

Mar. 7—Pittsburg County Election Board Secretary Tonya Barnes gives details on requesting absentee ballots.

1 When should voters request mail-in absentee ballots for the April 2 elections?

Voters in Pittsburg County who want absentee ballots mailed to them for the April 2, 2024 Board of Education General Election and the Indianola School and Pittsburg School Special Bond Elections should apply now. Absentee ballots are available to all registered voters, provided they are eligible to vote in the election requested. No excuse is needed to vote by absentee ballot.

2 When is the deadline for requesting an absentee ballot for the April elections?

The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot is 5 p.m. Monday, March 18. Voters can submit a request using the OK Voter Portal at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp. Request forms are also available at oklahoma.gov/elections and at the County Election Board office. Voters should allow time for an absentee ballot to be received, completed, and returned by mail to the County Election Board.

3 When must completed absentee ballots be in the hands of election workers on Election Day?

All completed absentee ballots must be in the hands of the County Election Board no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day, April 2.

4 Are mail-in absentee ballots required to be notarized?

With some exceptions, all absentee ballot affidavits must be notarized before being returned. Voters should give themselves plenty of time to make sure all steps have been followed and that the ballot is returned on time in order to be counted," Barnes said.

5 Who is exempt from having an absentee ballot notarized?

Voters exempt from having an absentee ballot affidavit notarized include those who are physically incapacitated and those who care for physically incapacitated individuals that cannot be left alone. Voters who request a "physically incapacitated" ballot must have the signature on their absentee ballot affidavit witnessed by two people.

Military personnel and residents living overseas, along with their spouses and dependents are also eligible for certain allowances. Military personnel should contact the Voting Services Officer in their unit for an Absentee Ballot Application. Residents living overseas may obtain Absentee Ballot Applications from any United States military installation or United States Embassy or Consulate. Military personnel and overseas citizens who are already registered voters in Oklahoma may apply for absentee ballots using the OK Voter Portal at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp. Those who need to complete a new Voter Registration Application should apply through the Federal Voting Assistance Program at FVAP.gov.

For questions, contact the Pittsburg County Election Board at 918-423-3877 or online at pittsburgcounty@elections.ok.gov.

—James Beaty