Voters who want absentee ballots mailed to them for the April 1 Board of Education – Municipal General Election should apply now, County Election Board Secretary Ruby Brunk said.

Absentee ballots are available to all registered voters, provided they are eligible to vote. No excuse is needed.

The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot is 5 p.m. March 17. Voters can submit a request at oklahoma.gov/elections/ ovp. Request forms are also available at oklahoma.gov/ elections and at the County Election Board office.

Brunk reminds voters to allow time for an absentee ballot to be received, completed, and returned by mail.

Voters exempt from having an absentee ballot affidavit notarized include those who are physically incapacitated or care for physically incapacitated individuals that cannot be left alone. Voters who request a “physically incapacitated” ballot must have the signature on their absentee ballot affidavit witnessed by two people.

Military personnel and residents living overseas, along with their spouses and dependents are also eligible for certain allowances. Military personnel should contact the Voting Services Officer in their unit for an Absentee Ballot Application. Residents living overseas may obtain Absentee Ballot Applications from any U.S. military installation or U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Military personnel and overseas citizens who are already registered voters in Oklahoma may apply for absentee ballots using the OK Voter Portal at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp. Those who need to complete a new Voter Registration Application should apply through the Federal Voting Assistance Program at FVAP.gov.

All completed absentee ballots must be in the hands of the County Election Board no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day.

The Sequoyah County Election Board is located at 110 E. Creek and open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. They can be reached at 918775-2614 or sequoyahcounty@election.ok.gov.