En español | Oklahoma’s Nov. 8 general election includes races for seats in the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, the state legislature, governor as well as district school boards and other municipal offices. The primary took place on June 28.
Essential info:
- Absentee voting: All registered voters can cast an absentee ballot and vote from home in November’s general election, but most absentee ballots must be notarized.
- Early in-person voting: Cast your ballot early and in person Nov. 2 through Nov. 5 for the general.
- In-person voting on Election Day: The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find your polling place at the state's election website.
What's new this year?
A special election to fill the seat of retiring Sen. Jim Inhofe, is scheduled to run concurrently with the Nov. 8 general election. And the state's new redistricting plan has redrawn several U.S. congressional districts, which may change which candidates appear on your ballot and where your polling place is located. Starting this year, the deadline to request an absentee ballot is 15 days before Election Day. Extra early in-person voting days have also been added.
What races are on the ballot?
- U.S. Senate: incumbent Sen. James Lankford (R), Democratic opponent to be decided in an Aug. 23rd runoff vote
- U.S. Senate Special (seat of Sen. Jim Inhofe, who is retiring before his terms expires): Kendra Horn (D), Republican opponent to be decided in an Aug. 23rd runoff vote
- U.S. House: all five seats
- Governor: incumbent Kevin Stitt (R), Joy Hofmeister (D)
- State Senate: 24 of 48 seats
- State House: all 101 seats
Learn about where Republican candidates for attorney general and the Oklahoma Corporation Commission stand on the issues.
How do I register to vote?
- By mail: Visit Oklahoma’s voter information portal to fill out and print a voter registration application form. Applications are also available at your county election board office and at post offices, public libraries and other locations listed on the state election board’s website. Mail the completed form to your county election board. Applications must be postmarked by Oct. 14 to vote in the general election.
- In person: Register at your county election board no later than Oct. 14 to vote in the general. You can also register during an appointment for a driver’s license or state ID.
- Check your registration status through the Oklahoma voter portal or by calling the state election board at 405-521-2391.
How can I get an absentee ballot? What are the important deadlines?
Any registered voter can request a no-excuse absentee ballot and vote from home in November’s general election.
Most people will need to get their ballot notarized. But there are different rules and carve-outs for voters who are residents of nursing homes or veterans centers or are incapacitated and can’t make it to the polls, along with those who are caring for someone who is incapacitated, are serving in the military or are working as a first responder or emergency worker. The state board of elections website has more information.
- Online: Use the state’s voter portal. Or email or fax a completed application to your county election board.
- By mail: Download and print an application form and mail it to your county election board, or contact your county board and request that a form be mailed to you.
- In person: Visit your county election board office to fill out an application or to drop off a completed application.
Absentee ballot applications sent by mail, via the Internet or in person are due no later than 5 p.m. on Oct. 24 in order to vote in the Nov. 8 general election.
Once you receive your ballot, it will need to be notarized (notaries can’t charge a fee for doing so). Exceptions are made for physically incapacitated voters and their caregivers, whose signatures must be witnessed by two people. The state election board’s website has a directory of notaries.
How do I return my absentee ballot?
Ballots must be returned by mail or in person. You can’t have someone else return your ballot for you if you’re submitting a standard absentee ballot — though there are exceptions for some people, including those who are incapacitated or a resident of a nursing home or veterans center.
- By mail: Return completed ballots to your county election board. Mailed ballots must be received by election officials by 7 p.m. on Election Day. The postal service recommends mailing ballots at least one week before the election.
- In person: Hand-deliver your ballot to your county election board by close of business on Nov. 7 to vote in the general. Hours vary by location, so check to see when your election board closes. You’ll also need to show proof of identity, like a driver’s license or U.S. passport.
Track the status of your ballot through the Oklahoma voter portal.
Can I vote in person before Election Day?
Yes. Early in-person voting for the general election is available Nov. 2 through Nov. 4 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5. Find your early voting location on the state elections website.
When is Election Day? When are polls open?
The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Search for your polling place online at the state's election website.
Do I need identification to vote?
Yes. You’ll need to show a photo ID, like an Oklahoma driver’s license, U.S. passport or military ID. Or you can show a voter identification card issued by your county election board. The state election board’s website has more information about acceptable forms of ID.
If you don’t have an acceptable form of ID, you can cast a provisional ballot. You’ll need to sign an affidavit confirming your identity. Election officials will determine whether the provisional ballot is legitimate after Election Day.
Editor’s note: This guide was updated on June 30 with information about how to vote in 2022. The guide was first published on Aug. 4, 2020.
Also of Interest:
- Learn about where Republican candidates for attorney general stand on the issues
- Follow AARP's political coverage at aarp.org/elections
- Keep up with local events and AARP advocacy efforts at aarp.org/oklahoma