Oklahoma voter registration guide: How to check voter registration status, options to vote, what to know

William C. Wertz, The Oklahoman
Updated ·6 min read
What you need to know about voting in Oklahoma.
What you need to know about voting in Oklahoma.

News stories are appearing daily about the 2024 presidential election, so it's not too soon to be thinking about making sure you're registered to vote.

Oklahoma has a primary election coming up on March 5, 2024 and a general election on November 5, 2024.

Who will be running for office in Oklahoma in 2024?

  • Members of the U.S. House of Representatives

  • Members of the Oklahoma Senate who serve odd-numbered districts (1-47)

  • Members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives

  • Members of the Oklahoma Supreme Court (3) whose terms expire in 2025

  • Members of the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals (3) whose terms expire in 2025

  • Appellate Court Judges (4) whose terms expire in 2025

How to register to vote in Oklahoma

Voter Registration Applications can be accepted at any time but must be received at least 25 days prior to an election in order to participate in that election. Voter registration deadlines for upcoming elections are available on the State Election Board website.

Have your valid ID card ready and choose one of the options below.

Online

  • Register online using the OK Voter Portal's Online Voter Registration System.  (An Oklahoma Driver License/State ID and a signature on file with Service Oklahoma is required.)

By Mail

  • Fill out a Voter Registration Application using the OK Voter Portal “wizard.” (You must print, sign, and mail or hand deliver the application to your County Election Board to complete the process.)

  • Download a Voter Registration Application from the State Election Board website. Applications are also available at your County Election Board, most tag agencies, libraries, and post offices.

  • Applications must be mailed or hand delivered to your County Election Board to complete the process.

In Person

  • Register at your County Election Board office.

  • Register at your local tag agency when you apply for, update, or renew your Driver License or State ID. Submitted applications will be mailed to the State Election Board by the agent at no cost.

  • Register with select public assistance agencies when you apply for, update, or renew services. Submitted applications will be mailed to the State Election Board by the agent at no cost.

Uniformed Services and Overseas Citizens

Voter Registration Status:

Are you currently registered to vote? Here is where to check.

More information on updating your existing voter registration is available on the State Election Board website.

Who is eligible to vote in Oklahoma?

You can register to vote if you are a citizen of the United States, a resident of the State of Oklahoma, and at least 18 years old or meet the age requirement to pre-register.

  • Pre-registration - Persons who are at least 17½ years old may pre-register to vote in Oklahoma if they meet all eligibility requirements. Applicants who pre-register cannot vote until they turn 18 years old and the application has been approved by the applicant's County Election Board Secretary. Applicants will be mailed a Voter ID card upon approval of their registration.

  • Persons Convicted of a Felony – A person convicted of a felony may register to vote when he or she has fully served his or her sentence of court-mandated calendar days, including any term of incarceration, parole or supervision, or completed a period of probation ordered by any court. A convicted felon who has been pardoned may register.

  • Persons Judged Incapacitated - Persons judged incapacitated by a court may not register to vote.

Party Affiliation

The State of Oklahoma currently recognizes three political parties:

  • Democratic Party

  • Republican Party

  • Libertarian Party

When registering to vote, an Oklahoman may affiliate with any recognized party or recognized political organization, or may register as "No Party" (Independent).

  • If you register in a political party recognized in Oklahoma you may vote only for that party’s candidates in primary elections.*

  • If you register No Party (Independent) you generally cannot vote in primary elections unless a recognized party authorizes Independent voters to participate in its primaries.*

  • If you register in a political organization recognized in Oklahoma you CANNOT vote for party candidates in primary elections.*

  • If you choose a political party or organization not recognized in Oklahoma, you will be registered as a No Party (Independent) voter.

  • *Note: The Democratic Party has authorized Independent voters to participate in their primary elections in 2022 and 2023.

  • All voters, regardless of political affiliation, may vote in any non-partisan elections held on the same date as a partisan primary election.

  • You may not change your political party affiliation from April 1 through August 31 in even-numbered years.

How can I vote in Oklahoma?

  • In person: By the time polls close on Election Day ... OR

    • You can vote early in your county at your designated early voting location from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the Thursday and Friday preceding an election. You must vote in the county where you are registered.

    • In addition, early voting is allowed from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Saturday immediately preceding a state or federal Primary Election, Runoff Primary Election, General Election or Presidential Preferential Primary Election.

    • Early voting is also available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. the Wednesday preceding the General Election.

    • Click here to find your early voting location.

  • By Mail: Not available in Oklahoma. (Except for those following the absentee voting process.)

  • Online: Not available in Oklahoma

Absentee Voting in Oklahoma

The deadline to request an absentee ballot is 5:00 p.m.., on the third Monday (15 days) prior to an election.

Voted ballots must be received the County Election Board no later than 7:00 p.m. on election night.

Oklahoma law requires certain voters to confirm their address before submitting a request for absentee ballots.

  • If you are an inactive voter ... OR

  • have been identified by the National Change of Address as having moved ... OR

  • have an invalid address for mailing by the United States Postal Service (USPS) ... OR

  • have had a voter ID card returned as undeliverable ...

  • You must complete an Address Confirmation Form and submit it with your absentee ballot request.

Absentee ballots may be requested using the secure OK Voter Portal.

Voting in-person on Election Day

If you're registered to vote and plan on voting in-person on Election Day, you can find your voting location options here.

To access the OK Voter Portal you will need your name (as it appears on your voter registration) and your date of birth.

You will need to show ID if you plan to register and vote on the same day.

On the Voter Portal you can:

  • Change a Residence Address or Mailing Address

  • Change Your Political Affiliation

  • View a Sample Ballot for Your Precinct

  • Find Your Polling Place and Early Voting Information

  • Verify Voter Registration Information

  • View Voting Districts

  • Request a Replacement Voter ID Card

  • Download a Voter Registration Verification Form (candidates)

  • Respond to an Address Confirmation Notice

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Here's what you need to know about voting in Oklahoma