Union City stakeholders,
On Nov. 8, EDUCATION is on the ballot. Every registered voter in Oklahoma will have the opportunity to vote on two statewide offices that directly affect public education in our great state: governor and state school superintendent.
Decisions made at the state level affect every area of education: funding, curriculum, certification, professional development, salaries, school safety, health and wellness issues, students, and much more.
Voting is a civic responsibility and one I hope each of us takes seriously. Union City Public Schools encourages every school community member to make a PLAN to cast an educated vote in this important election by following these simple steps.
· CHECK your voter registration status, identify your county election board and precinct location, and see sample ballots using the Oklahoma Voter Portal at https://okvoterportal.okelections.us/.
· LEARN about the candidates so you can cast an educated vote. You can view a sample ballot in the voter portal so you’ll know what will appear on your ballot. Many resources exist within our state and community to learn about the candidates and issues that will be on the ballot.
· VOTE! I know you’re busy, and I appreciate your dedication to Oklahoma’s children. If you aren’t sure you can make it to the polls between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Election Day, Oklahoma has several opportunities to vote early either by mail or in person!
· REMIND your friends and family to vote, too!
Voting Options
Absentee Vote by Mail
· Absentee ballot applications may be submitted through the voter portal, mail, fax or email. Visit the state Election Board website to learn more.
· Oklahoma offers several types of absentee ballots, but anyone can vote via a standard absentee ballot.
· Standard absentee ballots must be notarized and can be hand-delivered to the county election board by end of business hours Nov. 7 and proof of ID is required. Find your county election board’s address and regular business hours here.
o Standard, notarized absentee ballots also can be mailed to the county election board. They must be received by 7 p.m. on Nov. 8 to be counted.
· Learn more about absentee voting by mail on the state Election Board website.
In-person Absentee Vote (Early Voting)
· In-person early voting hours are:
· 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 2, Nov. 3 and Nov. 4
· 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 5
· Check your early voting location before you go and don’t forget to bring your ID! Most but not all early voting locations are at the county election board. Some counties have more than one early voting location.
· Learn more about early voting on the state Election Board website.
In-person Election Day
· Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Before you go, check the OK Voter Portal to view a sample ballot and find your precinct location. Some precinct locations changed this year after legislative redistricting.
· Bring your ID to vote. If you plan to vote in person either early or on election day, don’t forget your ID. The county election board (if voting early) or your precinct (on election day) will require either a photo identification or your county election board voter identification card. In some circumstances, those without ID can sign a sworn affidavit and cast a provisional ballot to be counted only if the county election board can verify your identity.
Thank you in advance for casting an educated vote!
Dr. Becky Slothower