Election for the Oklahoma City’s NBA arena special proposition is today: What to know
Oklahoma City residents will head to the polls Tuesday to decide whether the city will use at least $850 million in taxpayer funds to build a new downtown arena.
The arena would be built at a minimum cost of $900 million, with the majority of funds coming from a 72-month penny sales tax that would start in 2028 if approved by voters Dec. 12. The Oklahoma City Thunder also would contribute $50 million, and the city would use $70 million in MAPS 4 funds.
Before checking yes or no, here's everything you need to know about voting, whether you choose to vote by absentee ballot, early voting or on Election Day.
Election Day voting for OKC arena proposition
The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 12. To vote, head to your polling place with your required proof of identity and cast your ballot.
Four counties are within Oklahoma City limits and are participating in the arena vote — Canadian, Cleveland, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie. Oklahoma City residents can find specific election information at their respective county election board offices.
Where is my polling place in Oklahoma?
Head to Oklahoma's online voter portal to find your polling place and a sample ballot.
The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 12. Lines at the polls are typically the longest before and after work, and during the lunch hour, according to the Oklahoma State Election Board. Any eligible voter in line at 7 p.m. will be able to vote.
What do I need to vote in Oklahoma?
Anyone voting in person on Election Day must provide proof of identity.
Voters can choose one of three options:
A valid photo ID issued by the federal, state or tribal government.
A voter identification card.
Sign an affidavit and vote a provisional ballot; if the information on the affidavit matches official voter registration records, the ballot will be counted after Election Day.
Where will the arena be located?
It's unclear as the location will be announced later, but there is speculation.
The former Cox Convention Center, now home to Prairie Surf Studios, remains the likely spot. If the arena vote passes and a new building is constructed, the current Paycom Center will likely be torn down, reports The Oklahoman's Steve Lackmeyer.
More: Paycom Center's history reflects a changed city, and hints at what might be ahead with a new arena
Can I vote on the arena if I'm not an Oklahoma City resident?
No, you must be registered to vote as an Oklahoma City resident to participate.
What are people saying about the possibility of a new arena?
Proponents of a new arena argue that a six-year extension of the MAPS program’s one-cent sales tax to fund the arena’s construction was a low price to pay to keep the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA team in town.
More than 60 organizations have voiced public support of the arena proposal, including chambers of commerce throughout the metro area and various business district associations and community advocacy groups. Many of them reiterate the Thunder's philanthropic support of the city's nonprofits and tout the current arena's support of the city's quality of life.
Critics of the proposal question the true economic impact the arena would have on Oklahoma City, as well as the amount put forward by the resident NBA team.
More: OKC is closing in on the arena vote — and groups are ramping up their arguments for and against it
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma voting today: What to know before voting in OKC arena election
