OKLAHOMA, USA — With the June primary almost a month away, the deadline to register to vote for Oklahomans is quickly approaching.
Each voter registration deadline is 25 days before Election Day. As this primary election is set for June 18, residents have until May 24 to register.
According to the Oklahoma Election Board, the state had 2.3 million registered voters as of January 2024 and an overall population of 4 million.
For those looking to add to Oklahoma's number of registered voters to cast their vote in June, here's what you need to know.
Registration process
Registration can be done online, by mail, or in person. For each option, residents need to have a valid ID card ready.
Online registration can be executed through Oklahoma's Online Voter Registration System. If you do not have a signature on file with Service Oklahoma, you will not be able to register online.
If you are voting by mail, you can fill out a Voter Registration Application through the Oklahoma Voter Portal online or download a copy of a Voter Registration Application. The application must be printed, signed, mailed, or hand-delivered to the County Election Board.
Along with the County Election Board, registration can also be completed at a local DMV or select public assistance agencies and mailed to the board at no cost.
Requirements
In order to register, you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a resident of Oklahoma to register.
For those who are 17 but are nearing 18, pre-registration is available. However, applicants who pre-register cannot vote until they turn 18 and until County Election Board secretary approves the application.
Residents who have been convicted of a felony can register to vote once their sentencing is fully served. A convicted felon who has been pardoned may also register.
According to the Oklahoma Election Board, you will not be considered a registered voter until the County Election Board secretary has approved your application and sent over a Voter Identification Card.
The card can be used as proof of identity when voting. It will list your name, address, political affiliation, and the polling place for your voting precinct. If you see any errors on your card, the board asks you to report them.
Updating existing registration
If you moved or changed your name, you will need to fill out a new Voter Registration application.
As long as you live in the same county you originally registered, you can change any details such as political affiliation or address through the OK Voter Portal.
As primaries decide on a party nominee— aside from nonpartisan races— it is important to note that Oklahoma has a closed primary system, meaning if you are registered in a certain party, you may only participate in that party's primary.
The only exception to this system applies to registered Independent voters. According to the board, Independents may only vote in one party's primary if authorized by the party.
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