First Responders and Emergency Workers

A voter who is deployed after 5 p.m. on the third Monday (15 days) prior to an election as a First Responder or Emergency Worker, “to assist with the rescue, recovery, or relief efforts of a declared natural disaster or state of emergency,” may request an Emergency Absentee Ballot from their County Election Board.

First Responder and Emergency Worker absentee ballot requests should be provided to the Secretary of the appropriate County Election Board. No one may request an absentee ballot on your behalf. It is against the law.

The County Election Board can provide a form for First Responders and Emergency Workers to request an Emergency Absentee Ballot.

State law requires voters to provide an identification number that matches the identification number on their voter registration record when applying for an absentee ballot.

Upon receipt of the required documentation, the County Election Board will issue an Emergency Absentee Ballot to the First Responder or Emergency Worker. The First Responder or Emergency worker must present proof of identity to receive an absentee ballot.

Your absentee ballot packet will include absentee ballots, as well as instructions for voting, preparing, and returning an absentee ballot.

Here is a checklist:

• Ballot(s)
• White “Secrecy” Envelope
• Yellow Affidavit Envelope
• Green Return Envelope
• Voting Instructions

Please inspect your packet carefully before voting. If you are missing a ballot, instructions, need a replacement or have questions regarding your packet, please contact your County Election Board directly for assistance.

Please read all instructions thoroughly before marking or returning your ballot. Absentee ballot laws are subject to change. Any changes to procedures will be noted in your absentee ballot packet.

First Responders or Emergency Workers who request an “emergency” ballot are required to have their absentee ballot affidavit notarized.

First Responders and Emergency Workers who have applied for an Emergency Absentee Ballot must return their own absentee ballot by mail or in person to county election officials. Please be prepared to show proof of identify when returning your ballot in person.

Regardless of the return method, Emergency Absentee Ballots must be received no later than 7 p.m. (CST) on Election Day to be counted.

You can track your absentee ballot using the OK Voter Portal. Once your ballot has been received, the portal will indicate the date of receipt.

If your absentee ballot was rejected, you will receive a letter from the County Election Board following the election. The letter will explain why your ballot could not be counted.

NOTE: The OK Voter Portal is a voter information system only, it does not “count” ballots or “tally” votes.