Voters in LeFlore County who want to have absentee ballots mailed to them for the Jan. 9 Heavener special municipal election should apply now.
According to a sample ballot provided by the LeFlore County Election Board, voters will decide on extending a half-cent sales tax.
Although LeFlore County Election Board Secretary Sharon Steele said in a news release the board can accept applications for absentee ballots until 5 p.m. Jan. 3, she urged voters who want to vote by absentee ballot to apply early.
Absentee ballot application forms are available at the county election board office at 103 N. Church St. in Poteau. An online version of the form can be filled out and submitted electronically at the Oklahoma State Election Board website. A print form can also be downloaded at that address. Ballots must be in the hands of county election board officials by 7 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.
Steele said any registered voter may vote by absentee ballot in any election in which he or she is eligible to vote. However, a voter must be registered and reside at an address within the geographical boundaries of a school district or a municipality to be eligible to vote in school district or municipal elections. It is not necessary to give a reason for voting absentee.