Voters Should Expect Long Lines At Polls On Election Day

Expect to wait if you're casting a ballot Tuesday.

There's a lot on the ballot and some voting rules have changed for Oklahomans, which may lead to long lines at your precinct.

Even though 20,000 people took advantage of early voting in Tulsa County, the election board is still predicting long lines.

This election is a highly anticipated one that's expected to draw close to record-breaking crowds.

"We are looking at anywhere from 225,000 to about 256,000, which would be in range with the last three other presidential," said Shelly Boggs, of the Tulsa County Election Board.

If you're planning on heading to the polls on Election Day, there are a few changes.

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This is the first presidential election since the Voter ID law passed. That means you must show a state or federal issued photo ID card or your voter registration card.

Also, you can only vote at your precinct, which may have changed since the last election.

"Voters need to realize they could be standing in line, not only because of the number of people that are going to turn out, but it might take a little longer, too, to get the voter ID checked," Boggs said.

If you live in Tulsa County, here's what your ballot will look like. On the front you have the presidential and congressional races along with Vision2 and the judges. On the back, the judges continue as well as six state questions.

People who live in Tulsa's District 1 or 7, Sand Springs, Skiatook, or the Berryhill Fire District will have to cast two ballots, one for the general election and one for the special election.

"Every ballot is taking about 10 seconds to read that, so where they're getting two ballots, that will be 20 seconds per voter. That could extend some of the lines a little bit longer in those districts, however, here we haven't noticed too much of a backup," Boggs said.

No more than 3,000 voters are assigned to each precinct.

The election board has a plan for large precincts to help crowds flow smoothly.

"We have staffed those with extra precinct officials, so that will help there as well," Boggs said.

If you are not sure where your polling place is, you can call your election board or check the state election board website to find your polling place.

The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.