Election notes: Voters should confirm polling site

Election officials are encouraging voters to confirm their precinct assignment and polling location before heading to the polls Tuesday. After the redistricting process of 2011, many voters had to be assigned to different polling places, Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said. Voters may use the state Election Board's free polling place locator, available online at www.elections.ok.gov and go to the frequently asked questions section. Or voters may call their county election board. Every 10 years after the federal census, the Legislature is required to conduct redistricting, or the process of redrawing district lines for the U.S. Congress, the state Senate, and the state House of Representatives to ensure populations in the districts are equal. County commissioners must redraw their districts to equalize populations, as well. After redistricting, county election boards statewide must redraw precincts to conform to the new districts, resulting in many voters being assigned to new polling places

Voters with disabilities have options

Ballot scanning machines used at precincts across the state have a device which includes headphones and interface console with uniquely shaped buttons and a select wheel to accommodate voters who have visual or physical disabilities. The devices are part of the state's new voting system, which was put in use earlier this year. The devices allow those with disabilities to vote privately and independently. Voters who cannot see or read the paper ballot may use the headphones to hear the entire ballot read aloud, state Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said. Voters with dexterity impairments may use adaptive devices, which feature puff-and-sip, buddy buttons or paddle controls, he said.