Candidates who wish to file for city offices in Blaine County can complete their declarations of candidacy beginning Feb. 6 at the Blaine County Elections Board office. Filing will close at 5 p.m. Feb. 8. A candidate filing packet can also be downloaded from the state elections board website.
The municipal (city) elections will be held April 4. A candidate must fill out and return a signed and notarized information and oath form and a criminal history disclosure form if required. The criminal history form becomes necessary if the candidate has indicated he or she has been convicted of any level of embezzlement or a felony in any state.
Additionally, the candidate must be a registered voter in the city and if seeking a ward seat, at an address within that ward. Municipal elections are non-partisan, meaning the candidate does not have to disclose his or her party affiliation.
If a candidate is unopposed in the election, then they are considered elected and their name will not be on the ballot.
There are 2.225 million voters registered in Oklahoma. Of that number, 51% are listed as Republicans, 29% are Democrats, .9% are registered Libertarians and Independents make up 17% of registered voters.
The April ballot is also eligible to carry propositions as well as candidates. The deadline to register to vote in that election is Feb. 2.
Perhaps the most discussed ballot question is SQ 820 on recreational marijuana. The answer to that state question will be provided by voters on March 7. In order to vote in that election, residents must be registered to vote by Feb. 20.
For more information on elections, contact the county elections board or search the Oklahoma state elections website.
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