SAPULPA — Creek County voters heading to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, should check their polling place, bring proof of identity and be familiar with rules governing activity around voting sites.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the general election. Oklahoma.gov Creek County Election Board Secretary Vicki Martin encourages voters to resolve questions about their registration or polling place before Election Day. Voters can check their information through the OK Voter Portal or contact the election board.
“We want all of our voters to have a positive experience at the polls. However, Election Day can be very busy,” Martin said. “If you have questions ahead of the election, don’t hesitate to call or stop by our office, so that we can make sure you’re ready to vote on Election Day.”
Voters must show proof of identity before receiving a ballot. Accepted identification includes a photo ID issued by the federal government, the state of Oklahoma or a federally recognized tribal government. If the identification has an expiration date, it must be later than Election Day.
The free voter identification card issued by a county election board also is accepted, even though it does not include a photograph. Voters without acceptable identification may sign a sworn affidavit and cast a provisional ballot. Election officials will review the information after Election Day to determine whether the ballot can be counted. oklahoma.gov The election board also reminds voters to leave campaign clothing, signs and other visible campaign materials away from polling sites. Electioneering is prohibited within 300 feet of a polling place entrance, an in-person absentee voting site entrance or a person waiting in line outside to vote.
Voters may photograph their marked ballots, but they must wait until they leave the polling place to post or share those images. Photos may not be used to coerce, influence or intimidate another voter. Voters also may not disclose how they voted while inside the election enclosure or remove a ballot from the polling place, according to the election board.
“While some offenses may seem minor, unlawful activity on Election Day constitutes a serious crime and could result in a misdemeanor or in some cases, a felony conviction,” Martin said. “We want all voters to be aware of their actions and be respectful of the rights of others.”
Access to the election enclosure and the area within 50 feet of the entrance is generally limited to election officials, people voting at the site and accompanying minor children or dependents. Exceptions apply to certain others, including members of the news media and people assisting voters with disabilities.
Anyone who witnesses a suspected election law violation should contact the election board or local law enforcement while the activity is occurring.
The Creek County Election Board is at 230 E. Hobson Ave. in Sapulpa. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For information, call 918-224-3529.