Comanche County Absentee Ballot Deadline: What Lawton Voters Need to Know Before Oct. 19

Comanche County voters who want to vote by mail in the Nov. 3 general election need to get their request in by 5 p.m. on Oct. 19. The request itself is easy, and any registered voter in the county qualifies with no excuse required. You can apply through the OK Voter Portal at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp, or pick up a form from the state election website or the county election board office at 315 SW 5th, Room 206.

The catch comes after the ballot arrives. Election Board Secretary Amy Sims said most absentee ballot affidavits must be notarized before they’re returned. Voters who are physically incapacitated, along with their caregivers, are exempt from notarization but must have two witnesses instead. Military personnel and overseas residents have special allowances as well. Sims advised giving yourself plenty of time to complete each step so the ballot is returned correctly and counted.

One deadline has no wiggle room: completed ballots must be in the hands of the county election board by 7 p.m. on Election Day. A postmark won’t cover it. If you’re planning to vote absentee from your kitchen table in Lawton, Medicine Park, or anywhere else in the county, request your ballot now and mail it back early. Have you voted absentee before, or will this be your first time? Let us know.