Regional Industry & News

Early voting is now underway in Ottawa County for Tuesday's primary runoff election, with ballots available at the Community Room in the Election Board Building in Miami.

A sales tax question on the ballot will allow the county to pay off a wrongful death judgment at the jail, drawing significant voter interest.

Voters must bring a state or tribal-issued ID and will fill out green sheets instead of signing a traditional precinct book as part of the updated voting process.

Miami, Oklahoma — Ottawa County residents can cast their ballots early ahead of Tuesday's primary runoff election, with voting already underway at the Community Room in the Election Board Building.

The early voting period comes as the county prepares for a significant ballot measure. A sales tax question will determine whether the county can generate revenue to pay off a wrongful death judgment related to the jail, an issue that has generated considerable attention among voters and business owners throughout the county.

Election Board Secretary Paige Beardon emphasized the importance of the election and encouraged registered voters to participate.

"I think all elections are important, but this election in particular is important for our county. We do have a county question this time that affects all of the residents in our county. So I encourage any registered voter to please make an effort to go out and vote," Beardon said.

The sales tax question has resonated with residents concerned about the financial impact on the community. Supporters of the measure argue that spreading the cost across a broad base of taxpayers is essential to keeping the county functioning.

"To make this work and to make business owners be able to stay in business here, seniors to be able to stay in their home, farmers and ranchers to be able to stay operating on their land, we're going to have to spread this out amongst as many people as possible," said Dillion Johnson, a local resident.

Beardon noted that the county question has driven increased early voter turnout compared to typical elections. She encouraged voters to take advantage of the early voting period to avoid potential lines on Election Day.

What voters need to know

Voters planning to cast ballots early should bring either a state-issued or tribal-issued ID to the polls. The election process includes a procedural change that voters should be aware of before arriving.

Instead of signing a traditional precinct book, early voters will complete green sheets with their information. Beardon explained the process.

"You would fill out your name, address, date of birth, and then you'll find that you're voting early. And that essentially is you signing the precinct book," Beardon said.

The green sheets serve the same purpose as a traditional precinct book signature, documenting that a voter has cast a ballot and preventing duplicate voting.

Early voting continues through Monday at the Community Room in the Election Board Building. Voters who prefer to cast ballots on Election Day can do so on Tuesday at their designated polling locations.

The primary runoff election will determine which candidates advance in the electoral process, while the sales tax question will be decided by all registered voters in Ottawa County.