SAPULPA — Creek County election officials are reminding voters of state laws governing conduct at polling places ahead of the Aug. 25 election.
Although voters may photograph their marked ballots, they cannot share or distribute those images while inside the election enclosure, according to Creek County Election Board Secretary Vicki Martin. Voters must leave the polling place before posting or sharing a ballot photograph.
A ballot photograph cannot be used to coerce, influence or intimidate another voter.
“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.”
Voters also may not tell others how they voted while inside the election enclosure or remove a ballot from the polling place.
Electioneering is prohibited within 300 feet of a polling-place or earlyvoting- site entrance. The restriction also applies within 300 feet of people waiting in line outside a voting location.
Electioneering includes directly advocating for or against a candidate or ballot issue. It may be verbal or involve items such as shirts, hats, buttons, stickers, pamphlets or electronic communications.
Only election officials, voters waiting to cast ballots and others authorized by law may remain within 50 feet of a voting-site entrance while an election is underway. Exceptions include members of the media, minor children, dependents and people assisting voters with disabilities.
Consuming any amount of alcohol within one-half mile of a polling place on Election Day is also prohibited.
Anyone who believes an election law is being violated should report it to precinct officials or the County Election Board while the alleged violation is occurring.
For more information, contact the Creek County Election Board at 918-2243529 or creekcounty@elections.ok.gov.