Planning to vote by mail? Your guide to absentee voting in Oklahoma.

Millions of voters across the nation will cast their midterm election ballots by mail. With Election Day on Nov. 8, we've gathered the information you need to know about absentee voting in Oklahoma.

What is absentee voting and who is eligible for absentee voting in Oklahoma?

Absentee voting is Oklahoma's version of voting by mail. Voters can request a ballot, complete it, have it notarized and mail it back to their county election board before the deadline.

According to the Oklahoma State Election Board website, any registered Oklahoma voter can request an absentee ballot, for any election, without a reason.

A person cannot be charged for the notarization of their absentee ballot, according to the state Election Board. A list of notaries can be found on the Election Board website.

It is illegal for a person to request or hand-deliver an absentee ballot belonging to another person, unless a voter qualifies for a special circumstance listed on the Election Board website.

There are multiple types of absentee ballots, some of which do not require notarization. Learn more about absentee ballots for the physically incapacitated, those confined to nursing homes, and military service members stationed overseas by visiting the Election Board website.

When is the deadline to request an absentee ballot in Oklahoma?

The deadline to request an absentee ballot for the general election is at 5 p.m. Monday.

Absentee ballot applications can be submitted through the OK Voter Portal website. Paper absentee ballot requests can also be downloaded from the state Election Board and returned in-person to the county election board where a person is registered to vote by 5 p.m. Monday.

Requesting an absentee ballot requires a person to provide the address where they are registered to vote, date of birth and "the identification number provided on their voter registration record." This is either their Oklahoma driver's license number, state ID number or the last four digits of their Social Security number.

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What will be in my absentee ballot packet?

A standard absentee ballot packet will include multiple important pieces and instructions on how to complete the process. The packet will include the ballot or ballots a person will complete, a white "secrecy" envelope, a yellow affidavit envelope and a green return envelope.

"Inspect your packet carefully before voting," the state Election Board website says. "If you are missing a ballot, instructions, need a replacement or have questions regarding your packet, please contact your County Election Board directly for assistance."

You can track whether your ballot has been mailed to you, and whether the county election board has received it when you mail it back via the OK Voter Portal.

When is the deadline to return my absentee ballot?

Ballots can be returned by mail, or in person.

Hand-delivered ballots are required to be returned by the end of business on the day before the election, Nov. 7, for the general election. Voters must provide the same proof of identity required for in-person voting.

Mailed absentee ballots must be received by the county election board before 7 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.

The state Election Board advises voters to "consider the distance your absentee ballot must travel and allow sufficient time for your absentee ballot to be received by the County Election Board," and says "the U.S. Postal Service recommends mailing absentee ballots at least one week prior to the due date."

What if I want to vote in-person in Oklahoma?

If you change your mind about using your absentee ballot, you are still eligible to vote in-person.

Early voting, or in-person absentee voting, is available in Oklahoma on the Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday before the general election. Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

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Polls will be open to registered voters from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. To view a sample ballot and to find your polling place, go to the Oklahoma Election Board voter portal at okvoterportal.okelections.us.

What's on the ballot?

Races at the state and county levels will be on the ballot for most voters.

Oklahomans will vote for both the state's U.S. Senate seats and all five Oklahoma members of the U.S. House of Representatives. They also will cast ballots in the races for governor, lieutenant governor, treasurer, labor commissioner, corporation commissioner and superintendent of public instruction.

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There are seven state senate and 31 state representative races for legislative districts across the state on the ballot.

Oklahoma County voters will vote for the district attorney, assessor, treasurer and the county commissioners of districts 1 and 3.

There are also judicial retention races across the state.

Various races will be on the ballot in other counties across the state, and there also will be local races for municipal seats, city and school propositions and more. To view a full list of races across the state, go to the state Election Board website.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: What to know about absentee ballots for Oklahoma's 2022 election