Deadlines Approach for Payne County April 1 Election Registration and Absentee Ballots

Payne County residents planning to vote in the April 1, 2025, Board of Education and Municipal Election face two important deadlines in the coming weeks, according to County Election Board Secretary Courtney Callison.

March 7 marks the final day to register to vote or update registration information for the upcoming election, while March 17 is the deadline to request absentee ballots.

"Voters should give themselves plenty of time to make sure all steps have been followed and that the ballot is returned on time in order to be counted," Callison said.

Voter registration applications must be received by the County Election Board or postmarked no later than midnight on March 7. Applications submitted after this deadline will be processed, but not in time for the April 1 election.

To be eligible for voter registration, applicants must be United States citizens, Oklahoma residents, and at least 17½ years old, though voters must be at least 18 to cast a ballot.

Residents who have recently moved to Payne County from another county or state need to complete a new Voter Registration Application to participate in local elections. Those who have moved within the county can update their address online through the OK Voter Portal at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp or by completing a new application.

Approved voters receive a Voter Identification Card in the mail, while those whose applications are not approved receive an explanation letter. The Election Board recommends contacting their office if no response is received within 30 days of submission.

For those unable to vote in person on Election Day, absentee ballots provide a convenient alternative. No excuse is needed to vote by absentee ballot in Oklahoma.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot is 5 p.m. on Monday, March 17. Voters can submit requests through the OK Voter Portal or by using forms available on the state elections website and at the County Election Board office.

Callison emphasizes that voters should allow sufficient time for receiving, completing, and returning absentee ballots by mail.

Most absentee ballot affidavits require notarization before being returned, though exceptions exist for certain groups. Physically incapacitated voters and those who care for physically incapacitated individuals who cannot be left alone are exempt from the notarization requirement. Instead, these voters must have their absentee ballot affidavit witnessed by two people.

Military personnel and overseas residents, along with their spouses and dependents, qualify for special provisions. Service members should contact their unit's Voting Services Officer for an Absentee Ballot Application, while overseas residents can obtain applications from any United States military installation, Embassy, or Consulate.

Military and overseas citizens already registered to vote in Oklahoma may apply for absentee ballots using the OK Voter Portal. Those needing to complete a new Voter Registration Application should apply through the Federal Voting Assistance Program at FVAP.gov.

All completed absentee ballots must be received by the County Election Board no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.

Voter Registration Applications can be downloaded from oklahoma.gov/elections or completed at the County Election Board office. Forms are also available at most post offices, tag agencies, and public libraries.

After submitting an application, voters receive written notification when their application has been processed. The Election Board reminds residents that applications must be approved by the County Election Board Secretary to be eligible to vote.

The Payne County Election Board is located at 315 W. 6th Ave., Suite 207, Stillwater, OK 74074. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday.

For questions about voter registration or absentee ballots, residents can contact the Election Board at 405-747-8350 or paynecounty@elections.ok.gov.

With these deadlines approaching, Payne County officials encourage eligible voters to take prompt action to ensure their participation in the April 1 election.

A message from Visit Stillwater

Shop, Dine, and Play in Stillwater this March! Whether you're racing down gravel roads, catching a Cowboy baseball game, or shopping for the perfect find, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. View March Events.