Candidates for state and federal office are making their final pitches ahead of next Tuesday’s Democratic and Republican primary elections.
There are no Murray County office holders on the ballot, all having won their elections unopposed after the filing period closed in early April, but the race is heating up for the District 22 State Representative, the District 13 State Senate and for U.S. Representative in District 4.
All Murray County voters will be eligible to cast their ballots in the District 4 U.S. Representative election where incumbent Tom Cole, Moore, is facing a major challenge from Paul L. Bondar, of Stonewall. Both are Republican.
Three other Republicans have also thrown their hat into the ring in that race including: Andrew Hayes, Lawton, Nick Hankins, Moore, and Rick Whitebear Harris, Norman, along with two Democrats, Mary Brannon, Washington, and Kody Macaulay, Moore.
Campaigning is also brisk in the District 22 State Representative race where Republicans Ryan Eaves, Atoka, and Troy Golden, Milburn, will square off for the seat now occupied by Speaker of the House Charles McCall, who is termed out after having served 12 years in the house.
This is a winner take all election with no Democrats or Independents in the race.
There is also strong campaigning going on for the District 13 State Senate seat now held by Republican Greg McCortney,Ada. He is being challenged by another Ada Republican, Jonathan Wingard. Not all Murray County citizens will be eligible to vote in this race because the county is split in two senate districts (Dist. 13 and Dist. 14).
Also, there is a small portion of southwest county residents who are in the State Representative, District 48 boundaries where Republicans Tammy Townley and April Brown are vying for that office.
(For a complete list on voting places and candidates, see Sample Ballots on page 5).
In addition to those elections, state voters will choose a Republican corporation commissioner candidate among a list of three. The winner will face one Democrat and one Libertarian in the general.
The next election is August 27, the date for the Runoff Primary, and the General Election is set for November 5.
Early Voting Begins Thursday June 13
Early voting begins Thursday, June 13 for voters in Murray County. 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.
Murray County Election Board Secretary Rhonda Summers 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,” Summers said.
Early voting is available Thursday, June 13 and Friday, June 14 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 15 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Murray County Election Board located at 703 W. 11th St, Sulphur. Summers 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.
For questions, please contact the Election Board at 580-622-3800.
Election Day Reminders And Tips
Voters will head to the polls on June 18 for the State Primary Election. The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Murray County Election Board Secretary Rhonda Summers recommends voters with questions about their eligibility or polling place call before Election Day. “We provide a number of additional services to voters on Election Day, so it can get very busy. If you have any questions, we strongly suggest you call or come by the week before Election Day if possible. If you find that you do have a question on Election Day, however, don’t hesitate to call.”
Summers says the State Election Board’s OK Voter Portal is the easiest way for voters to verify their registration, locate their polling place, and view a sample ballot. The OK Voter Portal can be found at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp.
The County Election Board reminds voters to bring a current federal or Oklahoma state-issued photo ID, or federally-recognized tribal ID to their polling place. An official Voter Identification Card can also be used as proof of identity. If you forget your ID, you may still cast a provisional ballot by signing an affidavit. Provisional ballots will be verified and if valid, will be counted after Election Day and before the election is certified.
For questions, contact the Murray County Election Board at 580622-3800. The County Election Board is located at 703 W 11th St., Sulphur. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.
