Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, for the Annual School Runoff, Tahlequah Municipal General Runoff, Tahlequah Special and Fort Gibson Municipal General Elections.
Connie Parnell, secretary of the Cherokee County Election Board, is offering voters tips.
A valid marking – a filled-in arrow – is shown on posters at the polling place and inside voting booths. If a voter makes a mistake, Parnell said he should not try to correct it; instead, he should return the spoiled ballot to precinct officials, who will destroy it and issue a new ballot.
Parnell urged voters to take their identification cards to the polls.
“Your card can help officials find your name in the registry and it may also help them resolve the problem if you are not listed in the registry,” she said.
Voters whose names are not in the registry or a voter who disagrees with information there may need to cast a provisional ballot. The ballot is sealed in an envelope and counted after election day if the voter’s information can be verified.
Parnell said voters who want to get through the line quickly should vote at mid-morning or mid-afternoon, because those usually are the two slowest periods.
“Anyone who is eligible and in line at the polling place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday will be entitled to vote,” she said.
Those who want to vote by mail absentee ballots have missed the application deadline, but they aren’t out of luck. They can do so at the county election board office Friday, April 3, or Monday, April 6. A two-member, bipartisan absentee voting board will be on duty from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to assist.
“In-person absentee voters fill out an application form. They are not required to give a reason,” Parnell said. “They are required to swear they have not voted a regular mail absentee ballot and that they will not vote at their polling places on Election Day.”
The absentee voting board verifies a voter’s registration information, and then issues ballots. The voter marks the ballots in a booth and then puts them in the voting device.
Registered voters who become physically incapacitated after 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 31 won’t have to miss the election. Parnell said state law permits these voters to cast ballots on an emergency basis.
“Physical incapacitation” includes a variety of conditions – injury, illness, childbirth – that prevent someone from voting in person.
For more information contact the election board, 914 S. College Ave., or call 456-2261.
Local News
Polls to open April 7 for runoff
- Local News
-
-
From the heart
As children, people often learn about making valentines in school. All you needed to impress that special girl or boy was some glue, scissors, paper doilies and red construction paper.
-
More new businesses open doors
The Tahlequah area market continues to grow, with several new businesses recently opening doors to customers.
-
Three held in Stilwell murder
Three Stilwell men were being held in the Adair County Jail Wednesday on an accusation of first-degree murder.
-
Man charged in drive-by shooting
Authorities on Wednesday issued an arrest warrant for a Hulbert man accused of committing a drive-by shooting at a school board member’s home.
-
Report filed in officer-involved shooting case
The District Attorney’s Office on Wednesday received an Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation report into a Feb. 2 officer-involved shooting.
-
Buy local, buy fresh
The Oklahoma Food Cooperative took roots earlier this century and is growing stronger, expanding its reach across the state.
-
Car tags: Cherokee vs. Oklahoma
Since 2002, the Cherokee Nation has offered vehicle tags to its citizens at a reduced rate from what the state of Oklahoma charges, enabling thousands of tribal members to save money.
-
Former CN employees file suit
Four former Cherokee Nation employees recently filed a civil suit in the tribe’s district court, alleging their constitutional rights were violated when their employment was terminated.
-
Mock intrusion unites schools, responders
Though school administrators always hope for the best, emergency response agencies are recommending they be prepared for the worst.
-
Emergency workers prepare, just in case
Tahlequah-Cherokee County Emergency Management officials act as the eyes and ears for community members when tornados threaten, but there’s much more to their areas of expertise.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
