Election Day laws, reminders and precincts

NEWKIRK — Voters in Kay County are reminded to keep their integrity of the election system in mind, when going to the polls next week.

While ballot “selfies” or taking photographs of a marked ballot are legal, voters may not share or distribute the image through social media or by another other means while inside the election enclosure. Voters must wait until they leave their polling place before posting  or sharing the picture with anyone. Improper use of a photo could result in a violation of the law. Voters may not use the image to coerce, influence, or intimidate another voter.

Kay County Election Board Secretary Carol Leaming recommends voters with questions about their eligibility or polling place call the Election Board today.

“We provide a number of additional services to voters on Election Day, so it can get busy. If you have any questions, we strongly suggest you call or come by the week before Election Day if possible. If you find that you do have a question on Election Day, however, don’t hesitate to call.”

Leaming says the State Election Board’s OK Voter Portal is the easiest way for voters to verify their registration, locate their polling place and view a sample ballot. The OK Voter Portal can be found at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp.

Voters are reminded to bring a current federal or Oklahoma state-issued photo ID, or federally-recognized tribal ID, you may still cast a provisional ballot by signing an affidavit. Provisional ballots will be verified and if valid, will be counted after Election Day and before the election is certified.

Some voters may need assistance to vote because they are blind or visually disabled, physically disabled or in firmed, or illiterate. Such individuals may request to have an assistant or vote privately and independently using the ATI device attached to the voting device. Those who require assistance should talk to their precinct official or contact the County Election Board directly for instructions.

 Leaming said voters should be aware that violating the law has consequences. “While some offenses may seem minor, unlawful activity on Election Day constitutes a serious crime and could result in a misdemeanor or in some cases, a felony conviction. We want all voters to be aware of their actions and be respectful to the rights of others.” It is illegal to disclose how you voted with anyone while inside the election enclosure. In addition, you may not remove a ballot from the polling place.”

“Electioneering is prohibited within 300 feet of any ballot box while an election is in progress. This includes wearing or bringing visible campaign related paraphernalia into the election enclosure. Leaming notes that no one except election officials and voters waiting to vote are allowed within 50 feet of any ballot box on Election Day. Certain exceptions are made for the press, media and those assisting disabled voters.”

Voters are reminded that consuming alcohol on any kind or quantity within one-half mile of a polling place on Election Day is also prohibited.

Voters who believe an Election Law has been violated should contact precinct official and or the County Election Board immediately, while the alleged violation is in progress.

Voters can contact the Kay County Election Board at 580 362 2130 or kaycounty@elections.ok.gov 

The Kay County Election Board is located at 219 south Main St in Newkirk.

The polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 3