With the November election right around the corner, it’s important to make plans for how you are going to vote in 2020. Between in-person voting at a Tulsa polling location, voting with an absentee ballot, or taking advantage of an early voting date, there are plenty of opportunities to do your civic duty this year. 

What do I need to know about Tulsa polling locations in 2020? Tulsa polling locations will be open for voting on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, from 7AM – 7PM. With COVID-19 precautions in place, it’s important to verify your 2020 polling location. The last day to complete voter registration in Tulsa is Friday, October 9, 2020.

Although it may seem far away, November 3rd will be here before we know it. Keep reading to learn more about Tulsa polling locations and voting in 2020. 

What You Need to Know About Tulsa Polling Locations in 2020

As Americans, we have the privilege, responsibility, and opportunity to make our voices heard through elections. Along with the countless city, county, and state officials on the ballot, this year we are also voting for our nation’s president. Make sure your vote counts by reading this important information regarding the November election in Tulsa.

November Voting in Tulsa, Oklahoma

With so many ways to vote this year, it is important to verify that you are registered to vote in your county and that you have the correct information regarding your polling location. 

Where to Find Your Tulsa Polling Location

Here are some easy steps to follow to find your voting location if you are already registered to vote in Oklahoma:

• Visit the OK Voter Portal
• Enter your full name & date of birth
• Scroll down the list to find your 2020 polling location

If you are not yet registered to vote, you will need to complete your voter registration before finding your Tulsa polling location. Once you have completed your Oklahoma voter registration, you will be able to follow the process described above to find your polling location.

Registering to Vote in Oklahoma

You will not be able to participate in this year’s important election if you have not registered to vote in Oklahoma on time. Voter registration ends this year on Friday, October 9, 2020. There are several ways to register to vote in Oklahoma:

• Download an Oklahoma Voter Registration Application
• Register Online Through OK Voter Portal

Because both voter registration methods require you to submit your application through the mail to your county election board, it is wise to begin this process as soon as possible. Failing to register on time will result in the inability to vote in this year’s election.

Tulsa Early Voting Dates

If you are unable to vote on Election Day (Tuesday, November 3, 2020), there are several early voting dates available. Tulsa early voting dates for the 2020 election include:

• Thursday, October 29 from 8AM – 6PM
• Friday, October 30 from 8AM – 6PM
• Saturday, October 31 from 9AM – 2PM

Early voting takes place at the Tulsa County Election Board in downtown Tulsa. Early voting is an excellent opportunity to ensure that your voice is heard while minimizing the crowds you might otherwise encounter if you wait until Election Day. 

How to Request an Absentee Ballot in Tulsa

If you reside outside of Tulsa due to school, military, or other life circumstances, you must request an absentee ballot. Absentee ballots can also be requested by individuals who wish to avoid the crowds at Tulsa polling locations or who are unable to vote in person due to physical restrictions. 

The last day to request an absentee ballot for the 2020 election is Sunday, October 27, 2020. There are two ways to request an absentee ballot in the state of Oklahoma:

• Write a letter to your county election board
• Request a ballot through the OK State Election Board’s online application

If you are writing a letter to your county election board to request an absentee ballot, you must be sure to include the following information:

• Your full name
• Your date of birth
• The address at which you are registered to vote
• All ballots you are requesting for the election
• The mailing address at which to send the ballot
• Your signature

For Military Members and overseas voters, visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program for specific information regarding absentee ballots.

As mentioned previously, this process will require you to both mail information to the election board and wait to receive your absentee ballot in the mail. It is recommended that you complete this process as soon as possible to ensure your ability to vote in the upcoming election.

Tracking the Progress of Your Absentee Ballot

Once you submit your Oklahoma absentee ballot, you can track its progress and make sure that Election Board receives your vote. Here is a quick summary to help you complete this process: 

• Visit the OK Voter Portal
• Enter your full name & date of birth
• Navigate to the Voter Information section
• Select the Absentee Ballot button

Voting with an absentee ballot is an excellent way to make sure that your vote counts, even if you are not currently living in your county of residence.

COVID-19 Precautions for Voting at Tulsa Polling Locations

COVID-19 precautions have not yet been released for the November election. However, it is safe to assume that they will be similar to the precautions that were put in place for the primary election earlier this year. 

COVID-19 precautions for Tulsa polling locations include:

• Required masks for poll workers
• Masks strongly encouraged for voters
• A limited number of voters in polling locations
• No-contact procedure for the voter check-in process

Be sure to check the latest news regarding Tulsa voting as the November election approaches.

Preparing to Vote at a Tulsa Polling Location

Proper preparation leading up to Election Day is the best way to ensure that your vote counts. Although voting can be a stressful process for some people, we hope that this information will help you approach voting day with confidence.

As the deadlines for absentee ballots, early voting, and voter registration quickly approach, take a moment to decide how you will vote in this year’s election. Make sure that your Oklahoma voter registration is complete as you will be unable to vote unless you submit your ballot on time.

Once you confirm your voter registration, request an absentee ballot, mark your voting date on the calendar, and research the candidates. Plan to celebrate Election Day with a friend by planning a lunch date at one of the many restaurants in Tulsa after your time at the polls! 

What You Need to Vote in Tulsa

If you have decided to vote in person for this year’s election, there are a few things that you will need to take with you. To vote in Oklahoma, you will need to provide proper identification. This could be your Voter Identification Card that the County Election Board issues upon registration. If you are not able to locate your Voter ID Card, you can use any of the following:

• Oklahoma driver’s license
• Oklahoma ID Card
• US Passport
• US Military ID
• Tribal ID 

While voting may seem like another thing on your to-do list, it is a true privilege and responsibility. As the foundation of our country, each American citizen must make sure that their vote counts. Voting for our local, state, and federal leaders is part of what makes Tulsa unique.

Take the time to fulfill your civic duty. Register to vote, research the candidates in your area, and plan to participate in this year’s election. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020. You can make a difference!

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