Election on June 30: Here’s what you need to know
June 28, 2020
On Tuesday, June 30, there are primary elections in Oklahoma, as well as elections over State Question 802 and local propositions. The Southwestern gives you an overview about what you need to know as Weatherford resident.
What’s on the ballot for Weatherford residents?
First, voters can decide which candidate of their party should run for the U.S. Senate later on this year in November. The current incumbent Jim Inhofe (R) runs against Neil Mavis, John Tompkins and JJ Stitt. For the Democrats, Abby Broyles, Sheila Bilyeu, R.O. Joe Cassity Jr. and Elysabeth Britt compete for the nomination. The Republican primary is closed, that means only voters affiliated with the Republican Party can vote. The Democrats allow non-affiliated voters to participate in their primary.
Second, one of the three seats as Corporation Commissioner is up for election. Harold D. Spradling and incumbent Todd Hiett run for the nomination of the Republican Party.
Third, the Republican nomination for County Commissioner District No. 2. Voters have a choice among Chuck Frantz, Bruce Walker and Carl Bailey.
Fourth, the office of County Sheriff is up for reelection. Incumbent Kenneth A. Tidwell faces competition against Dan Day in the Republican primary.
State Question 802
Also, voters in Oklahoma can decide over SQ No. 802. It would expand Oklahoma’s Medicaid program which would then cover people earning as much as 133% of the federal poverty level. Up to 200,000 uninsured, low-income Oklahomans could be covered in the future. Opponents criticize the high costs and warn that Medicaid expansion could eventually lead to budget cuts in other core services.
Weatherford sales tax
Last, residents can cast their vote over a city sales tax (1%) which replaces the old one. The 1% sales tax is split up into Propositions No. 1-4. Each proposition can be approved or denied separately.
Proposition No. 1 deals with 0.52% sales tax for city services such as a new 9-1-1 center, police station and Vietnam Wall Memorial, improvements to the city swimming pool, AG/rodeo arena, a new indoor soccer field and a new airport terminal.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University would financially benefit from Proposition No. 2 which directs 0.28% of the sales tax into SWOSU’s funding of its rural healthcare education efforts and facilities for Nursing, Pharmacy, Allied Health and related programs.
If Proposition No. 3 is approved, 0.15% would go to the Weatherford Regional Hospital to replace, update, purchase and maintain medical equipment for diagnostic and treatment purposes.
Proposition No. 4‘s 0.05% of the city sales tax would go the Weatherford Public Schools, funding artificial turf for the football field and a new track. The remaining funds would be spent on a new HVAC system for the high school.
Where can I vote?
The OK Voter Portal gives you all the information you need about where exactly your polling station is located.
When can I vote?
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.
Do I have to wear a face mask?
No, wearing a face mask is not required in order to vote.
