OKLAHOMA CITY – Despite the threat of a global pandemic, Oklahoma’s three-day filing period for candidates for state, federal and legislative offices will take place as scheduled, the secretary of the State Election Board said Wednesday.
The three-day filing period runs 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 8, 9 and 10. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax encouraged candidates for federal, state, and legislative offices to file their paperwork, along with the required filing fee or petition, by mail or delivery service.
“This is not an ideal situation for either election officials or candidates. But, with a little patience and a lot of precautions, we will get through the candidate filing period together,” Ziriax said in a media statement.
He said candidates who file in-person will use a ‘drive-through’ in the State Capitol parking lot. The change will help maintain social distancing protocols in an effort to minimize risks to Election Board personnel and candidates.
Candidate filing for county offices will also be held during the same time. Candidates should contact their county election board for specific instructions.
Ziriax said Election Board personnel would be available to review declarations of candidacy and cashier’s checks or certified checks ahead of time to ensure they are in good order. Candi- dates should visit the State Election Board’s website at elections.ok.gov for specific details about candidate filing, such as delivery instructions or information about the drive-through filing procedures. Candidates can also contact the State Election Board for details at 405-521-2391