Pressing their efforts to see that all eligible voters are registered in time for the Nov. 2 general election before the Oct. 8 deadline, Kay County Democrats will be registering voters at their booth at the Kay County Free Fair in Blackwell and holding a free raffle for all registered voters who visit their booth. First prize in the raffle will be $100.

“The only requirements to enter the raffle are that you be a resident of Oklahoma and a registered voter,” said Bob Henderson, chair of Kay County Democrats. “If you are not already registered, we will register you at our booth. All Oklahoma residents who are American citizens and will be 18 on or before Nov. 2 can stop by, register, and pick up a free ticket for the raffle.”

Besides the $100 first prize, prizes will include a U.S. flag that has flown over the Oklahoma Capitol, donated by State Rep. Ken Luttrell, and a pen and pencil set made of hand-carved wood, donated by Tom Salisbury, Democratic nominee for district attorney in Kay and Noble counties.

“We will hold the drawing at 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at the Democratic fair booth. You need not be present to win. Remember, you must be registered by Oct. 8 to vote in the Nov. 2 general election,” Henderson said.

Democrats registered voters at several locations in Kay County Saturday.

Three Minutes To Register

"Registering to vote is a simple, short process. You must provide your name, birth date and place, your present address and either your Oklahoma driver's license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you have been registered at a previous address, that information helps the Kay County Election Board list you in the correct voting precinct and remove your name from your previous precinct.

"If your name has changed and you were already registered under the previous name, usually due to a woman marrying and taking her husband's last name, that information should also be provided for the help of the Election Board.

“It is also very important that voters write legibly, so that members of the Election Board can read the information accurately. If there is any question due to illegibility or missing information , the Election Board will mail the application to the voter asking for accurate or fuller information. Therefore, the sooner you mail your registration form, the greater the assurance your registration will be completed in time to vote in the Nov. 2 general election.

“Voting is also a simple, easy process. In Oklahoma, no identification is required to vote. You simply give the volunteers manning the voting precinct your name, then sign the rolls showing that you are voting in that particular election. Whom you vote for is completely secret to everyone but the individual voter.

“If you will be out of town on the day of the election, or unable to vote that day for any other reason, all Oklahomans have the right to apply for an absentee ballot. We also will have absentee ballot applications at the Democratic booth,” Henderson said.

“It is not widely enough known, but in Oklahoma convicted felons have the right to register and vote if their entire sentence, including any time on probation, is completed. So these citizens, who have paid their debt and successfully reintegrated themselves into society, may vote and join their voices with those of all other Oklahomans in determining the future of our state.”