Absentee Voting in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, any registered voter in Oklahoma may request an absentee ballot. You do not need an excuse to request an absentee ballot.
The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot to be mailed to you is typically 5 pm the Tuesday before the election. All absentee ballots must be received before 7:00 pm on Election Day.
To vote absentee in Oklahoma, you will first need to request your absentee ballot.
You may request your ballot in one of two ways:
- Online: Log onto the OK Voter Portal and follow the online instructions.
- Paper form: Print neatly on the Application for an Absentee Ballot (PDF) in blue or black pen, get it notarized, and then email, fax, or hand-deliver the completed application to your county election board.
Once you've completed your Application for an Absentee Ballot and mailed it in, the next thing you will receive from your county election board is your actual absentee ballot.
Here's what you need to know about the identification verification process.
A NOTARY IS REQUIRED
Your absentee ballot must be notarized before being returned to your county election board. A notary is available in the Carl Albert Center (more on this below). You can also find a notary using the state election board's online notary services tool.
COMPLETE YOUR AFFIDAVIT ENVELOPE
Follow the instructions that you receive with your absentee ballot to complete the affidavit envelope. Errors may lead to ballot rejection.
RETURN YOUR ABSENTEE BALLOT
You may either return your ballot via mail or deliver it in person to your county election board.
Do I need to get my absentee ballot notarized?
To vote absentee in Oklahoma, you must get your ballot notarized. We encourage you to get your ballot notarized on campus by setting up an appointment at the Carl Albert Center. To set up an appointment, please email voting@ou.edu.
You may remember that during the November 2020 election, notary requirements were lifted in order to allow more people to exercise their right to vote safely. The temporary option to include a copy of a valid ID in lieu of a notarized or witnessed signature has expired.
Under current state law, standard absentee ballots must be notarized. Voters who complete "physically incapacitated" absentee ballots must have their signature witnessed by two people.
Where should I send my absentee ballot?
You should have your absentee ballot sent anywhere you know you will have access to receiving mail. This may be your campus address, your permanent address, or a friend or relative's address. Your friend or relative can then get your ballot to you wherever you are. Please note, however, that ballots can't be forwarded; they have to be re-mailed in an outer envelope with new stamps.
If you are voting absentee, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind:
- You can track the status of your absentee ballot by logging in to the OK Voter Portal.
- After receiving your ballot, follow the instructions carefully. Errors can lead to ballot rejection!
- Return your ballot via mail or deliver it in person to your county election board.
