“Our political leaders will know our priorities only if we tell them, again & again, and if those priorities begin to show up in the polls.”
~ Peggy Noonan
OKPLAC Executive Board
Our public schools are on the ballot in almost every election. From Congress to statewide offices to municipal government, it’s vital that we have representatives who support our public schools. And that’s why public school advocates must have a voting plan for every election.
While it’s easy to remember to vote during high-profile races for President, Governor, or Congress, other elections are no less important. In fact, races for school board and legislative seats are determined by a smaller number of voters and school bonds require 60% approval, meaning each vote is critical to the outcome of the election.
Every. One. Vote.
So, make your Voting Plan today!
Your County Election Board website will have a list of the scheduled elections in your area and important details about how and where to vote. Mark your calendar and remember your three voting options:
Vote in person on Election Day
Vote by absentee ballot
Vote early on the Thursday, Friday, or Saturday (check your County Election Board website for days and hours) prior to Election Day
If you notice an Election Day that falls during a time when you will be busy with work obligations or family plans, you may request an absentee ballot for that particular election from the Oklahoma State Election Board at https://oklahoma.gov/elections.html. There are deadlines for requesting absentee ballots, which is why it’s a good idea to look ahead. There is also an option to request absentee ballots for the entire calendar year which allows your ballot to be mailed to you 6-8 weeks prior to each election you are eligible to vote in. Oklahoma law requires absentee ballots to be notarized before returning, so you want to make sure you follow the instructions to ensure your vote is counted.
When making your voting plan, keep in mind that Oklahoma is a closed primary state. This means that in partisan elections, the political parties determine who votes in their primaries. In 2022, registered Republicans may vote in Republican primary elections; registered Democrats and Independents may vote in the Democratic primary elections. If there is an election with only candidates from one party, there will be no general election and the winner will be determined in the primary elections. School board races are nonpartisan, meaning voters from all parties may vote in primary school board elections when there are more than two candidates.
It’s smart to view your individual sample ballot on the Oklahoma Voter Portal at https://okvoterportal.okelections.us. Viewing your ballot before the election allows you time to research the candidates and contact them with any questions, or learn more about other items on you ballot like school bonds, municipal ordinances, or state questions. A list of elections being held across the state is available on the “Next Election” page on the Oklahoma State Election Board website if you want to see what is happening in other areas.
Voting is one of the great privileges in our country, and we honor those who fought to secure this right, and those who currently fight to protect it. Make your plan and vote in every election. Voting matters. Every. One. Vote.