What Do Oklahoma Public Libraries Need to Know? The State Election Board Has the Answer
In last week's news round up, we promoted library participation in National Voter Registration Day. Naturally, knowledge of local election laws is a requirement of participation. ODL reached out to Misha Mohr, Public Information Officer at the State Election Board, to ask: What do libraries need to know? Here's her response:
I’m glad you reached out. Several questions came up last year during our talks regarding the libraries hosting voter registration drives. Here are some things to pass along.
According to the State Election Board's Administrative Code, libraries must make Voter Registration Applications available to customers; however, libraries may not collect and mail or hand deliver applications to the Election Board.
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If any libraries are in need of applications, please have them email mmohr@elections.ok.gov directly.
- Please encourage libraries to regularly check their stock of Voter Registration Applications on hand. While libraries may not collect applications, they are required by Administrative Code 230:15-3-23 to make applications available at their locations.
I would recommend libraries encourage outside, nonpartisan groups to host voter registration drives. Keep in mind that groups do not necessarily have to have a direct interest in elections. For instance, libraries may consider book clubs, civic groups, local clubs, student organizations, etc.
Encourage voters to use the OK Voter Portal to verify their polling place BEFORE heading to the polls. This is one of our biggest messages this year. As you may be aware, due to statutory redistricting some voting districts have changed. As a result, some precincts and polling places also changed. We do not want voters showing up at the wrong polling place.
- If libraries are being used as polling sites, please be careful with messaging. Remind voters that they MUST vote at their assigned polling place.
Early voting would also be great to promote! Here's more information and a link to early voting sites.
I would also like to encourage libraries to link new voters to our Voting 101 site. While this was created with young voters in mind, it is a great resource for those who are new to Oklahoma, as well as new citizens.
Our Voter Information Calendar [PDF] will provide key dates. (Please note that the absentee ballot request deadline is now 15 days prior to the election.)
ODL hopes this info helps you serve your community as we move into election season. Don't hesitate to contact Misha if you have particular questions. Here's her contact information:
Misha Mohr
Public Information Officer
NVRA Coordinator
Oklahoma State Election Board
Oklahoma State Capitol, Room G28
P: 405.522.6624
mmohr@elections.ok.gov
Comments? Questions? Contact ODLinfo
Please do not reply to this email.
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