Voter registration deadlines approach

Friday, October 12, 2012, is the last day to apply for voter registration or make changes to voter registrations including changes of political affiliation for voters in Tulsa County to be eligible to vote in the State and County General Election, the Tulsa County Special Election, the City of Tulsa General Election for Council Districts 1 and 7, the City of Sand Springs Special Election, the Town of Skiatook Special Election and the Berryhill Fire Protection (Office No. 5) Election to be held November 6, 2012, Patty Bryant, Secretary of the Tulsa County Election Board said today.

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

Persons who have never been registered to vote before or who are not currently registered in the county of their residence and persons who are registered but who need to change their registration information may apply by filling out and mailing an Oklahoma Voter Registration Application form in time for it to be postmarked no later than midnight Friday, October 12, 2012.    

Bryant said that applications postmarked after October 12 still will be accepted and processed, but the application will not be approved nor will the voter be eligible to vote until after the November 6 election.

The County Election Board will respond in writing to each 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.  Bryant said that any person who has submitted a voter registration application and who has not received a response within 30 days should contact the County Election Board office.

Oklahoma Voter Registration Application forms are available at the County Election Board office located at 555 North Denver Avenue, in Tulsa, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  The Tulsa County Election Board will remain open until 12:00 p.m. Friday, October 12.

Bryant said that applications are also available at most post offices, most public libraries, and all tag agencies, and are also available on the Internet at www.elections.ok.gov.  However, applications found on the Internet must be downloaded, printed, filled out, signed and mailed or hand delivered to the Tulsa County Election Board or Oklahoma State Election Board.