Published: June 24, 2008 10:31 am      

Voter registration deadline nears

This coming political season has created an increase in voter registration, according to Woodward County Election Secretary, Carol Carrell.

“Yes, we have seen more this year than we have in the past,” she said.

Friday, July 4 is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the July 29 Regular Primary Election and Special Town of Fort Supply Election Woodward County Election Board Secretary Carol Carrell said today. Due to the 4th of July holiday, the last time the County Election Board office will be open to accept voter registration applications is at 3:00 on Thursday, July 3.

“Everyone really should make sure they make it to register on July 3, because all of the agencies where you become registered will be closed on the July 4,” she said.

Carrell said that persons who are United States citizens, residents of Oklahoma, and at least 18 years old may apply to become registered voters.

Those who have never been registered to vote before or who are not currently registered in the county of their residence and those who are registered but who need to change their registration information may apply to register or to change name, address or political affiliation by filling out and mailing an Oklahoma Voter Registration Application form in time for it to be postmarked no later than midnight Friday, July 4.

“However, those who have moved within the county but have not had time to register, can go to their old polling place and vote and those ladies there will help you re-register in your new address,” Carrell said. “But that is only for within the county.”

Carrell said that applications postmarked after that time still will be accepted and processed, but the applications will not be approved until after July 29.

The County Election Board responds in writing to every person who submits an application for voter registration. The response is either a Voter Identification Card listing the new voter’s precinct number and polling place location or a letter that explains the reason or reasons the application for voter registration was not approved. Carrell said that any person who has submitted a voter registration application and who has not received a response within thirty days should contact the County Election Board office.

Oklahoma Voter Registration Application forms are available at the County Election Board office located at 1600 Main, and at all post offices and public libraries in the county. Carrell said that applications also are available in the following locations in Woodward County: Woodward Tag Office and Mooreland Tag Agency. Carrell said that applications also are available on the Internet at www.elections.state.ok.us.