Voters will go to the polls on February 11th to select a candidate to fill the expiring term of Seat 5 on the Cordell Public Schools Board of Education.
Three candidates, Nocona Cook (Incumbent), Dale Selman, and Randi Hunter are on the ballot.
If one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, that candidate will be named the elected official.
If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes will vie for the seat during the Board of Education General Election on April 1st.
Early voting begins Thursday, February 6th. Voters who will not be able to make it to the polls on Election Day have the option of voting early at their County Election Board. Washita County Election Board Secretary Assistant Ashton Hymer said early voting is open to all voters.
“You do not need to provide an excuse to vote early. Oklahoma allows early voting for all elections conducted by the County Election Board or State Election Board—from School Board and municipal elections to state and federal elections. This is a great option for those who will be out of town on Election Day or who want to avoid long lines,” Hymer said.
Early voting is available Thursday, February 6th and Friday, February 7th from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Washita County Election Board located on the first floor of the Washita County Courthouse. Hymer reminds voters that early voting is not available at polling locations.
Some voters may need assistance to vote because they are blind or visually disabled, physically disabled or infirmed, or illiterate. Such individuals may request to have an assistant or vote privately and independently using the ATI device attached to the voting device. Those who require assistance should talk to their precinct official or contact the County Election Board directly for instructions.
Also, Registered voters who become physically incapacitated after 5:00 p.m. Monday, February 10th and are unable make it to the polls, still have an opportunity to cast their ballot.
Washita County Election Board Secretary Ashton Hymer, said that state law permits voters who become emergency incapacitated after 5:00 p.m. Monday, February 10th to vote under special provisions.
Hymer said emergency incapacitation is something most voters don’t think about. “Voting is our constitutional right, but life happens. Injury, illness, or even childbirth can prevent a voter from being able to go to the polls. That’s why it’s important to make sure voters know their rights in the event of an emergency.”
If you or someone you know becomes physically incapacitated after 5:00 p.m. February 10th , contact your County Election Board as soon as possible. Hymer said Election Board officials will work with you to make sure you have all of the necessary information to cast your ballot. Information can also be found on the Oklahoma State Election Board website at oklahoma.gov/ elections.