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FOX23 Investigates: Can you still vote by absentee ballot?

TULSA, Okla. — Early voting has begun in Oklahoma.

Voters have been spotted lining up to cast their ballot ahead of Tuesday’s election. There is also the option to vote with an absentee ballot.

FOX23 spoke with Cori Savage while she stood in line to vote. “I used to strictly do absentee ballot voting, because I like Googling and knowing what I’m voting for. But now, I just want to make sure I get it done,” said Savage.

Absentee voting increased 500% during the pandemic. Gwen Freeman of the Tulsa County Election Board spoke about the simple process involving absentee ballots.

“A lot of folks realize, this is kind of easy,” said Freeman. “I like being able to fill out my ballots at my kitchen table, or I’m going to be out of town. And this is a really great way for me to be able to vote.”

According to the Oklahoma Election Board, 15% of all votes cast during the 2018 general election were cast by absentee ballots.

It grew to 22% after the 2020 general election.

It is too late to request an absentee ballot for Tuesday’s election, but if you already have one, you can still submit it. You’ll need to use the envelopes provided and get the ballot notarized.

The envelope requires two stamps.

If you requested an absentee ballot but decided to vote in person, you will need to sign a form swearing that you didn’t vote twice. Trying to vote both ways is a felony.

If you are still waiting to mail your absentee ballot, time is running out.

“Oklahoma has a very, very safe way of voting. Our absentee program has grown and will probably continue to grow,” said Freeman.


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