Absentee Ballots Rolling In As Oklahoma Early Voting Starts Statewide Wednesday

Absentee ballots are already arriving at election board offices, with early voting beginning across Oklahoma on Wednesday.

More than 78,000 Oklahomans have already cast absentee ballots, and officials expect a record turnout for the presidential election.

State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax is urging voters to be patient with others in line and with election workers.

“I think it's just a matter of whether we beat what we did last time, come close, or about the same. We'll find out,” said Ziriax.

For the first time in a presidential election, early voting has been extended to four days: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The additional day is expected to help spread out the crowds.

Ziriax advises voters to prepare by checking polling locations and viewing sample ballots ahead of time. In-person voters will need identification, and clothing promoting any candidate is prohibited.

Federal and state officials are on high alert for any attempts to disrupt the election, and Ziriax encourages voters to report anything suspicious. Above all, he urges patience during what he anticipates will be long wait times.

“There could be a line you have to wait in, so we appreciate voters’ patience. Please be kind to your precinct officials and poll workers who are helping you exercise the right to vote,” he said.