Washington Co. Election Board: Registration ends next week

BARTLESVILLE, Okla. - Voters living in Washington County have until the end of next week to register to vote in the upcoming general and municipal election set for Nov. 6.

Washington County Election Board Secretary Yvonne House said any United States citizens who are residents of Oklahoma and are at least 18 years old have until Oct. 12 to register.

Voter application forms available at any post office, public library and tag agency and at the county election board office located at 420 S Johnstone Ave. in Bartlesville must be completed and postmarked no later than midnight Oct. 12.

Only residents living in Bartlesville's Wards 3 and 4 may vote in the city's municipal election where Lee L. Lane III is challenging incumbent Tom Gorman for the Bartlesville City Council Ward 3. Former councilor Eddie Mason and Allen Bretz are contending for the Ward 4 seat.

The election board will respond to each application by supplying either a voter identification card listing the new voter’s precinct number and polling place location or a letter explaining why the application was not approved.

Election board officials said with the new voter ID law which went into effect on July 1, 2011, voters should ensure their voter registration records are up to date.

The new law requires voters going to the polls in November to show a photo identification card.

According to House, the identification document presented state, federal or tribal government-issued and must display the voter's name, a photo of the voter and a card expiration date later than the election day.

Voter registration cards are exceptions to the photo requirement.

For those interested in seeing the forms they will by viewing on election day, this week the election board released Ward 3 , Ward 4 and State/Federal sample ballots.

Those needing more information should contact the election board office at 918-337-2850.