Oklahomans cast their ballots Thursday as early voting begins

OKLAHOMA CITY — Voters headed to the Oklahoma County Election Board on Thursday to cast their votes ahead of Election Day, many of whom had political division heavy on their minds.

Lines moved quickly at the polling location just north of the state Capitol on a windy but mild morning.

Some residents voted early because they wanted to avoid a long wait on Tuesday. Others found it convenient to stop and cast their vote on their way to other errands.

Mart Barclay, 73, had to vote early because he will be working the polls on Election Day. As the Oklahoma County Election Board inspector, he will be responsible for collecting the county’s ballots and dealing with any technology issues on Tuesday.

Barclay, a lifelong Democrat, says voting is a civic responsibility.

“If you don’t like what’s going on and you didn’t vote, you don’t have a voice to complain about it,” Barclay said.

He voted in favor of State Question 832, a measure to incrementally raise the minimum wage to $15 by 2029. He said inflation has been noticeable as prices continue to rise.

“You can’t have a functioning economy if people can’t buy the basics,” Barclay said.

Phyllis and Larry West, both 69, have waited in long lines to vote before. Thursday morning, they barely waited to cast their ballots.

Larry, an Independent, only had the State Question to vote on in this primary election. Despite his short ballot, both Wests used Thursday to exercise their right to vote.

“If you don’t vote, you can’t gripe,” he said.

Many voters Thursday said they were disappointed about the divisiveness in American politics, especially as it played out in political advertisements. Some found the deceiving use of AI and the lack of transparency of PAC donations in ads concerning.

Jeff Lloyd, 72, found it frustrating that candidates’ stances and who funded them were not made clear in the ads. A registered Republican, he said the divisiveness of politics, especially the hostility between candidates, was disappointing.

“They just look like babies,” Lloyd said. “They just want to fight.”

Others agreed politics have become too divided. Sally Steele, 71, voted early with her husband Butch, 69. She hopes politicians on all levels can work together.

Like Barclay, 78-year-old Sue Scott voted early Thursday because she will work at the polls Tuesday. She said in the 70s, she fought for rights that are now being taken away, noting federal attacks on national parks, abortion rights and food stamps as some of her concerns.

She worries about the country her grandchildren are growing up in, which is why she sees voting as so important.

“So much is at stake,” Scott said.

Lori Callahan is traveling next week, but she headed to the polls Thursday because she thinks it is important to be a part of the political process.

Callahan, 53, has run for the Oklahoma Senate twice as a Republican. In her view, there is still a “long road ahead” to improving Oklahoma politics, but getting strong candidates in office is a good start.

“I want to be optimistic,” Callahan said. “I want to be hopeful we can make good choices.”

Early voting locations will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Early voting locations can be found at the Oklahoma Voter Portal. Voters must cast ballots in the county in which they are registered.

To see what is on the ballot, see our voter guide.