Early Voting in Blaine County Begins Thursday, April 1

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Early voting begins Thursday APRIL 1, 2021 for voters in THE BOARD OF EDUCATION GENERAL/MUNICIPAL GENERAL/SPECIAL ELECTION,in Blaine County. Voters who will not be able to make it to the polls on Election Day, have the option of voting early at their County Election Board.

BLAINE County Election Board Secretary, BRENDA RICE, said early voting is open to all voters.

“You do not need to provide an excuse to vote early. Oklahoma allows early voting for all elections conducted through the State Election Board—from school board and municipal elections to state and federal elections. This is a great option for those who will be out of town on Election Day or who want to avoid long lines,” RICE said.

Early voting is available Thursday APRIL 1, 2021 and Friday APRIL 2, 2021 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the County Election Board located at COUNTY COURTHOUSE BASEMENT. RICE reminds voters that early voting is not available at polling locations.

The BLAINE County Election Board is located at 212 N WEIGLE and is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., MONDAY through FRIDAY. For questions, please contact the Election Board at 580-623-5518 or blainecounty@elections.ok.gov.

ELECTION DAY LAWS AND REMINDERS

Voters in BLAINE County are reminded to keep the integrity of the election system in mind, when going to the polls next week.

While ballot “selfies” or taking photographs of a marked ballot are legal, voters may not share or distribute the image through social media or by any other means while inside the election enclosure. Voters must wait until they leave their polling place before posting or sharing the picture with anyone. Improper use of the photo could result in a violation of the law. Voters may not use the image to coerce, influence, or intimidate another voter.

BLAINE County Election Board Secretary, BRENDA RICE, says voters should be aware that violating the law has consequences.

“While some offenses may seem minor, unlawful activity on Election Day constitutes a serious crime and could result in a misdemeanor or in some cases, a felony conviction. We want all voters to be aware of their actions and be respectful of the rights of others.”

RICE said, it is illegal to disclose how you voted with anyone while inside the election enclosure. In addition, you may not remove a ballot from the polling place.

Keep in mind that electioneering is prohibited within 300 feet of any ballot box while an election is in progress. This includes wearing or bringing visible campaign related paraphernalia into the election enclosure. RICE notes that no one except election officials and voters waiting to vote are allowed within 50 feet of any ballot box on Election Day. Certain exceptions are made for media and those assisting disabled voters.

Voters are reminded that consuming alcohol of any kind or quantity within onehalf mile of a polling place on Election Day is prohibited.

The polls will be open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. APRIL 6, 2021.